Electrode Development for Electro-Organic Kolbe–Schmitt C–H Carboxylation of Benzene Using Cu Nanoparticles on Graphene Oxide Modified With MIL-101 MOF for CO2 Capture in a DES Electrolyte System

Abstract

This study focuses on developing an advanced electrode for the electro-organic Kolbe–Schmitt C–H carboxylation of benzene. The electrode uses copper (Cu) nanoparticles supported on graphene oxide modified with MIL-101 metal–organic framework (MOF). The MIL-101 MOF enhances CO₂ capture, improving the electrode's efficiency in a deep eutectic solvent (DES) system. The study reports high yields (89%–97%) of synthesized benzoic acids 4(a–l), facilitated by urea/ChCl as a cost-effective electrolyte, by applying an electric current of 20 mA, in 2 h and at ambient temperature. The innovative electrode design facilitates efficient benzoic acid synthesis, while the use of urea/ChCl as an accessible and cost-effective electrolyte and solvent enhances the electro-organic reaction rate. The synthesized benzoic acids were characterized through melting point analysis, ¹HNMR spectroscopy, and CHN elemental composition. To assess the electrode's properties, extensive characterization techniques such as XPS, TGA, SEM, EDS, FT-IR, BET surface area analysis, CV, and FT-IR were used.