Indole-3-Carbinol Upconversion with Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Supported Graphitic Carbon Nitride: A Sustainable Approach

Abstract

Electro-organic chemistry offers a sustainable and efficient approach to organic synthesis by utilizing electrochemical processes. This field has gained significant attention due to its potential for minimizing waste, reducing energy consumption, and enabling selective transformations. Herein, we report the development of a graphitic carbon nitride-coated carbon fiber electrode modified with electropolymerized amino-2-thiazole and electrodeposited Cu2O nanoparticles from copper nitrate trihydrate for the oxidation of Indole-3-carbinol (IC). Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies were carried out to characterize the developed electrode. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and bulk electrolysis techniques were employed for the electrochemical studies. The enhanced electrochemical activity of the Cu2O-pAT-GCN-TCFP electrode compared to the individual GCN and polymer electrode was studied using electrochemical characterization, which revealed a 3-fold increase in the current response for Cu2O-pAT-GCN-TCFP (0.0011 A) compared to the bare electrode. The reaction was carried out using an aqueous carbonate buffer solution as an electrolyte via bulk electrolysis at a set potential of 0.82 V. The product obtained was isolated by column chromatography to obtain a yield of 74% and characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. Additionally, the Cu2O-pAT-GCN-TCFP electrode was studied for its stability, reproducibility, and selectivity.