Cracking of High Molecular Hydrocarbons by Photo Nanocatalysis

Abstract

This research focuses on cracking of high-molecular weight hydrocarbons to more valuable compounds using photo nanocatalysts in contrast to catalysts in bulk and by applying solar energy (under visible and UV light). Emphasis remained on chalking out difference of cracking results with catalyst in bulk and in nano size under various conditions. Therefore, samples were divided on the basis of catalysts involved, whether nano or bulk and conditions applied that is under UV light and under sunlight. Initially hydrocarbons samples were set at room temperature and by using catalysts in bulk and in nano form. Catalysts used were ZnO Nanoparticles and in bulk, MgO nanoparticles and in bulk, TiO2 nanoparticles, nitrogen doped TiO2 nanoparticles and in bulk. At room temperature samples were examined for various length of time that is 4, 8 and 12 hours. In other set of experiments samples were set under UV light of different wavelength that is 254 nm and 366 nm for 60 and 120 minutes using above mentioned catalysts in nano and bulk form (MgO nanoparticles and in bulk, ZnO nanoparticles and in bulk and TiO2 nanoparticles and in bulk). Resultant products were analyzed using GCMS. After going through the obtained results we can easily conclude that nanocatalysts produce better cracking results as compared to bulk catalysts. Additionally photocatalysts that is ZnO and TiO2 display better results as compared to MgO which has broad band gap and does not easily generate electron-hole pairs.