Application of CdO nanocatalyst in the acetylation of benzyl alcohols and degradation of sulfathiazole as a green approach

In this study, CdO nanoparticles (CdO NPs) were prepared with a template. The nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The XRD pattern revealed that the final product has a cubic phase and its particle size diameter is 36.4 nm. The morphology of CdO is nanospherical. The catalytic activity of a CdO nanoparticle in the acetylation of benzyl alcohols was studied. The formation of products proceeds on the catalysts with predominantly strong base sites. The degradation of sulfathiazole antibiotic in the presence of CdO NPs was also investigated under ultraviolet irradiation. Various experimental parameters, such as initial sulfathiazole concentrations, initial CdO concentration and initial pH, were investigated. According to the results, this method has the potential to perform well in the removal of sulfathiazole.