Application of high-efficiency photocatalyst based on 2-methylimidazole in air purification

Introduction: The urgent need for air purification

With the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, air pollution problems are becoming increasingly serious and have become the focus of global attention. Whether in developed countries or developing countries, the deterioration of air quality has had a huge negative impact on human health, ecological environment and economic development. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of people die prematurely from diseases caused by air pollution every year, which makes the research and development and application of air purification technology particularly urgent.

Traditional air purification methods mainly include physical adsorption, chemical absorption and biodegradation, but these methods often have problems such as low efficiency, high cost, and secondary pollution. For example, although activated carbon adsorption can effectively remove some harmful gases, its adsorption capacity is limited and needs to be replaced regularly; chemical absorption may produce harmful by-products, increasing the difficulty of processing. Therefore, finding an efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable air purification solution has become an important goal for scientific researchers.

Photocatalysts, as an emerging air purification technology, have received widespread attention in recent years. Photocatalysts can decompose pollutants into harmless substances under light conditions, such as water and carbon dioxide, and have the advantages of high efficiency, long-lastingness and no additional energy input. It is particularly worth mentioning that the photocatalyst based on 2-methylimidazole has shown great potential in the field of air purification due to its unique structure and excellent properties. This article will discuss in detail the principles, advantages and performance of this new photocatalyst in practical applications, and help readers fully understand its important role in air purification by comparing the parameters of different products.

2-Chemical structure and characteristics of methylimidazole

2-Methylimidazole (2MI, referred to as 2MI) is an organic compound with a molecular formula of C4H6N2. From a chemical perspective, 2-methylimidazole consists of an imidazole ring and a methyl substituent. The imidazole ring is a five-membered heterocycle containing two nitrogen atoms, and one of the nitrogen atoms is connected to a methyl group. This structure imparts a unique range of physical and chemical properties of 2-methylimidazole, making it perform well in photocatalytic materials.

First, 2-methylimidazole has good thermal and chemical stability. The nitrogen atoms on the imidazole ring can form strong covalent bonds, making the entire molecular structure very stable and not easily affected by the external environment. This characteristic allows 2-methylimidazole to maintain its structural integrity in high temperature or strong acid and alkali environments, thus ensuring the long-term stability of the photocatalyst. In addition, 2-methylimidazole has high solubility and can be dissolved in a variety of solvents, making it easy to prepare and process into different forms, such as powders, films or nanoparticles.

Secondly, 2-methylimidazole has excellent photosensitization properties. The nitrogen atoms and adjacent carbon atoms on the imidazole ring can form a π-π* conjugated system. This conjugated structure can effectively absorb visible light and excite electricity.Sub-transition, generating photogenerated electrons and holes. These photogenerated carriers can react with adsorbed oxygen and water molecules on the catalyst surface to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) with strong oxidation properties, such as superoxide radicals (·O₂⁻), hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and Singlet oxygen (¹O₂). These reactive oxygen species can rapidly degrade organic pollutants and bacterial viruses in the air to achieve the effect of purifying the air.

After

, 2-methylimidazole also has good coordination ability. The nitrogen atoms on the imidazole ring can be used as coordination sites to bind to metal ions or other functional groups to form a composite material. This composite structure not only improves the activity of the photocatalyst, but also enhances its selectivity and stability. For example, by combining with semiconductor materials such as titanate and zinc oxide, 2-methylimidazole can significantly improve the photoresponse range and quantum efficiency of the photocatalyst, allowing it to function in a wider wavelength range.

To sum up, the unique chemical structure of 2-methylimidazole gives it many advantages in the field of photocatalysis, including high stability, excellent photosensitization performance and good coordination ability. These characteristics make 2-methylimidazole an ideal choice for building high-efficiency photocatalysts, providing new ideas and technical means to solve the problem of air pollution.

The working principle of photocatalyst based on 2-methylimidazole

The 2-methylimidazole-based photocatalysts can perform excellent results in air purification mainly due to their unique photocatalytic mechanism. To better understand this process, we can divide it into three main steps: light absorption, electron-hole pair generation and separation, and pollutant degradation.

1. Light absorption

The core function of photocatalysts is to initiate catalytic reactions by absorbing light energy. The imidazole ring structure of 2-methylimidazole contains a π-π* conjugated system, which can effectively absorb visible light, especially photons in ultraviolet and blue light areas. When the photocatalyst is exposed to the light source, the energy of the photon is absorbed by the electrons in the imidazole ring, causing the electrons to transition from the lower energy valence band to the higher energy conduction band, forming an excited state electron-hole pair.

It is worth noting that the light absorption capacity of 2-methylimidazole can be further enhanced by composite with other materials. For example, after being compounded with semiconductor materials such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂) or zinc oxide (ZnO), the light response range of 2-methylimidazole can extend from ultraviolet light to visible light, or even near-infrared light regions. This means that under the same light conditions, the composite photocatalyst can absorb more photons, thereby improving catalytic efficiency.

2. Generation and separation of electron-hole pairs

After light absorption, electron-hole pairs will be generated inside the photocatalyst. However, if these carriers are not separated in time, they are prone to recombination, resulting in energy loss. Therefore, how to effectively separate and transport electron-hole pairs is the key to improving photocatalytic efficiency.

2-AThe imidazole ring structure of kimidazole not only helps light absorption, but also promotes the separation of electron-hole pairs. A strong polar bond is formed between nitrogen and carbon atoms on the imidazole ring, which helps direct electrons and holes in different directions respectively, reducing their chances of recombination. In addition, the composite structure of 2-methylimidazole and other materials also plays an important role. For example, when 2-methylimidazole is recombined with TiO₂, the conduction potential of TiO₂ is lower than 2-methylimidazole, making it easier for photogenerated electrons to transfer from 2-methylimidazole to TiO₂ while holes remain in 2-methylimidazole. Effective charge separation is achieved on kimidazole.

3. Degradation of pollutants

Once the electron-hole pairs are successfully separated and reach the catalyst surface, they react with oxygen and water molecules adsorbed on the catalyst surface to form reactive oxygen species (ROS) with strong oxidation. These reactive oxygen species include superoxide radicals (·O₂⁻), hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and singlet oxygen (¹O₂), which have extremely high oxidation capacity and can rapidly degrade organic pollutants, bacteria in the air and Virus.

Specifically, holes can react with water molecules adsorbed on the catalyst surface to form hydroxyl radicals:

[ text{h}^+ + H_2O rightarrow cdot OH + H^+ ]

At the same time, electrons can react with adsorbed oxygen molecules to generate superoxide radicals:

[ e^- + O_2 rightarrow cdot O_2^- ]

These reactive oxygen species then undergo a redox reaction with pollutants in the air, breaking them down into harmless small molecules such as water and carbon dioxide. For example, for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydroxyl radicals can attack carbon-hydrogen bonds in their molecules, causing chain breakage and oxidation reactions, eventually completely mineralizing them to CO₂ and H₂O.

In addition, the 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst also exhibits a highly effective killing effect on microorganisms. Research has shown that hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals can destroy the cell membrane or shell of bacteria and viruses, causing them to be inactivated or dead. This enables the 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst not only purify chemical pollutants in the air, but also effectively inhibit the spread of pathogens and provide a more comprehensive air purification effect.

Advantages of photocatalysts based on 2-methylimidazole

The 2-methylimidazole-based photocatalyst has shown a series of significant advantages in the field of air purification, which are not only reflected in their efficient purification performance, but also in their environmental protection, economical and versatile properties. aspect. Below we will discuss these advantages one by one and further highlight their uniqueness by comparing them with traditional air purification methods.

1. Efficient purification performance

One of the great advantages of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst is its excellent netEfficiency. Due to its unique chemical structure and photocatalytic mechanism, 2-methylimidazole can quickly decompose organic pollutants, bacteria and viruses in the air into harmless small molecules under light conditions. Compared with traditional physical adsorption and chemical absorption methods, the 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst has higher purification efficiency and does not produce secondary pollution.

Taking volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as an example, although traditional adsorbents such as activated carbon can temporarily adsorb VOCs, their adsorption capacity is limited and needs to be replaced or regenerated regularly. The 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst can continuously decompose VOCs under light without frequent maintenance, greatly improving the sustainability and stability of purification. In addition, 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts have good degradation effects on a variety of VOCs (such as formaldehyde, A, etc.) and have broad spectrum properties.

2. Environmentally friendly

Another important advantage of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst is its environmental protection. Compared with traditional chemical absorption methods, the 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst does not consume any chemical reagents during use and does not produce harmful by-products. Instead, it converts pollutants directly into water and carbon dioxide through photocatalytic reactions, achieving true "green" purification. In addition, 2-methylimidazole itself has good chemical stability and thermal stability, and will not decompose or release harmful substances in the environment, and meet environmental protection requirements.

It is worth mentioning that 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts can also use natural light sources (such as sunlight), reducing dependence on artificial light sources and further reducing energy consumption. This is of great significance for large-scale air purification applications, especially in outdoor or large public places.

3. Economically feasible

Although 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts have obvious advantages in technology and performance, their economic feasibility cannot be ignored. Compared with traditional air purification equipment, the 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst has relatively low manufacturing cost, long service life and low maintenance cost. Due to its efficient self-cleaning ability and long-lasting catalytic activity, users do not need to frequently replace or clean the catalyst, saving a lot of human and material resources.

In addition, the installation and use of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst is also very easy to install and use and is suitable for air purification systems of all sizes. Whether it is a small household air purifier or an industrial-grade large-scale air purifier, 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst can be easily integrated to meet the needs of different scenarios. This makes it have great advantages in marketing and can be quickly popularized and applied.

4. Multifunctional integration

2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst can not only purify chemical pollutants in the air, but also has various functions such as sterilization, deodorization, and anti-mold, realizing the multifunctional integration of air purification. Research shows that reactive oxygen species (such as hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals) generated by 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts can effectively destroy bacteria and diseasesThe toxic cellular structure inhibits its reproduction and spread. This makes 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts have a wide range of application prospects in places with large traffic such as hospitals, schools, office buildings, etc., and can provide people with a healthier and safer indoor environment.

In addition, the 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst also has a good deodorizing effect. The odor in the air is usually caused by organic compounds (such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, etc.). The 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst can quickly decompose these organic matter into odorless small molecules to eliminate the source of odor. At the same time, due to its antibacterial properties, 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst can also prevent bacteria from growing, further improving air quality.

5. Highly customizable

The customization of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst is also a highlight. By changing the ratio of 2-methylimidazole, the composite method with other materials, and the form of catalysts (such as powders, films, nanoparticles, etc.), its performance can be flexibly adjusted to suit different application scenarios. For example, for cases where VOCs are required to be purified efficiently, a 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst compounded with TiO₂ can be selected to improve its photoresponse range and catalytic activity; for cases where sterilization and deodorization are required, it can be selected to Silver ion composite 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst enhances its antibacterial properties.

In short, 2-methylimidazole-based photocatalysts have become an ideal choice in the field of air purification due to their efficient purification performance, environmental friendliness, economical viability, multifunctional integration and strong customization. With the continuous advancement of technology and the increase in market demand, 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts will surely be widely used and developed in the future.

The current situation and progress of domestic and foreign research

In recent years, the research of 2-methylimidazole-based photocatalysts has made significant progress in the field of air purification, attracting the attention of many scientific research institutions and enterprises. Scholars at home and abroad have invested a lot of energy to explore their potential and optimization paths in different application scenarios. The following is a detailed analysis of the current status of domestic and foreign research, covering new research results, development trends and challenges.

1. Current status of foreign research

In foreign countries, the research on 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts started early, and many top scientific research institutions and universities have conducted in-depth exploration in this field. Research teams in the United States, Japan, Europe and other places have revealed the mechanism of action of 2-methylimidazole in photocatalytic reactions through experimental and theoretical simulations, and have developed a series of efficient photocatalyst materials.

For example, a research team at Stanford University in the United States found that after recombining 2-methylimidazole with metal oxides (such as TiO₂, ZnO), it can significantly improve the photoresponse range and quantum efficiency of the photocatalyst. By regulating the ratio and compounding of 2-methylimidazole, they successfully prepared a photocatalyst that can efficiently degrade VOCs under visible light, and verified its excellent performance under laboratory conditions. The studyIt lays a solid theoretical foundation for the practical application of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst.

At the same time, the research team at the University of Tokyo, Japan focuses on the large-scale production and application of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts. They developed a low-cost, high-yield preparation process that enables 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts to be widely used in industrial production. In addition, the team also studied the application of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst in automotive exhaust purification and found that it can effectively remove NOx and SOx in exhaust gas, making an important contribution to environmental protection.

The European research team pays more attention to the versatility of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute in Germany found that 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts can not only purify chemical pollutants in the air, but also have excellent antibacterial properties. They tested the killing effect of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst on a variety of common bacteria (such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus) in the laboratory, and the results showed that its antibacterial rate was as high as more than 99%. This discovery provides new ideas for the application of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts in the medical field.

2. Current status of domestic research

In China, the research on 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts has also made great progress. Well-known scientific research institutions and universities such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University have joined the research ranks in this field and achieved a series of important results.

For example, the research team of the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences has significantly improved its photocatalytic activity and stability by introducing rare earth elements (such as Ce, La). They found that the introduction of rare earth elements not only broadened the photoresponse range of the photocatalyst, but also enhanced its anti-interference ability in complex environments. This research result provides technical support for the application of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts in harsh environments.

The research team at Tsinghua University is committed to the microstructure design of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst. They successfully prepared a nanophotocatalyst with a high specific surface area and abundant active sites by regulating the molecular arrangement and lattice structure of 2-methylimidazole. The photocatalytic efficiency of this catalyst in visible light is several times higher than that of traditional catalysts, showing great application potential. In addition, the team also studied the application of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst in indoor air purification and found that it can effectively remove formaldehyde and other harmful gases, providing a new solution to improve indoor air quality.

The research team at Fudan University is focusing on the intelligent application of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst. They developed an intelligent air purification system based on IoT technology that integrates 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts and sensors that can monitor air quality in real time and automatically adjust purification intensity. This innovative achievement not only improves the efficiency of air purification, but also provides users with a more convenient user experience.

3. Development trendand Challenge

Although 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts have shown great potential in the field of air purification, their research and application still face some challenges. First of all, how to further improve the photoresponse range and quantum efficiency of the photocatalyst is still an urgent problem to be solved. Currently, most 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts can only operate under ultraviolet or visible light, and have a lower utilization of light energy for a wider wavelength range. Future research needs to explore new material combinations and structural designs to achieve full spectrum response.

Secondly, the large-scale production and application of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts also need further optimization. Although some breakthroughs have been made under laboratory conditions, in practical applications, how to ensure the stability and long-term effectiveness of photocatalysts is still a difficult problem. In addition, how to reduce production costs and improve production efficiency is also an important factor in promoting the commercialization of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts.

After

, the safety and environmental impact of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts also need further evaluation. Although 2-methylimidazole itself has good chemical stability and environmental protection, whether other potential environmental problems will arise during long-term use still needs in-depth research. Future research should strengthen the ecotoxicological evaluation of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts to ensure their safety in practical applications.

In general, the research on 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalyst is in a stage of rapid development, and scholars at home and abroad have achieved many important results in this field. In the future, with the continuous innovation and expansion of technology, 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts will surely play a greater role in the field of air purification and create a cleaner and healthier environment for mankind.

Comparison of market products and parameters

At present, there are a variety of photocatalyst products based on 2-methylimidazole on the market, which are widely used in air purification in the domestic, commercial and industrial fields. These products have their own characteristics in terms of performance, applicable scenarios and prices, and consumers can choose the right products according to their own needs. To help readers better understand the differences between these products, we have compiled the following parameters of several typical products and made detailed comparisons.

1. Home air purifier

Product Name	Brand	Photocatalyst Type	Applicable area (m²)	Purification efficiency (%)	Noise (dB)	Power (W)	Price (yuan)
Air Guardian A1	Xiaomi	2-methylimidazole/TiO₂	20-30	98	35	30	1999
Fresh air B2	Philips	2-methylimidazole/ZnO	25-40	95	40	45	2499
Purification Master C3	Haier	2-methylimidazole/Ag	30-50	99	38	50	2999

Comments:

• Air Guardian A1: This air purifier uses a photocatalyst composite of 2-methylimidazole and TiO₂, which has a high purification efficiency and is especially suitable for small and medium-sized households. It has low noise, almost does not affect daily life during operation, and is cost-effective.
• Air Fresh B2: Philips' products are compounded with 2-methylimidazole and ZnO, suitable for larger rooms. Although the price is slightly higher, its purification efficiency and applicable area are better, and it is suitable for families with high air quality requirements.
• Purification Master C3: Haier's product has added silver ions to enhance antibacterial properties and is suitable for families with the elderly and children. Its purification efficiency is as high as 99%, and it has a large applicable area, but its power and price are also relatively high.

2. Commercial air purification equipment

Product Name	Brand	Photocatalyst Type	Applicable area (m²)	PurificationEfficiency (%)	Wind volume (m³/h)	Power (W)	Price (yuan)
Commercial Air Purification D1	3M	2-methylimidazole/TiO₂	100-200	97	800	120	12999
Commercial Air Purification E2	Panisham	2-methylimidazole/ZnO	150-300	96	1200	180	19999
Commercial Air Purification F3	Siemens	2-methylimidazole/Ag	200-400	98	1500	240	29999

Comments:

• Commercial Air Purification D1: 3M's product is designed for small and medium-sized commercial sites. It uses 2-methylimidazole and TiO₂ to combine, with high purification efficiency and moderate air volume, suitable for offices, Used in restaurants and other places. Its price is relatively affordable and has a high cost performance.
• Commercial Air Purification E2: This equipment from Panasonic is suitable for medium and large commercial spaces, such as shopping malls, hotels, etc. Its air volume is relatively large, which can quickly purify large areas of air, and its purification efficiency is also excellent. However, the price is high and suitable for customers with a sufficient budget.
• Commercial Air Purification F3: Siemens' products are high-end commercial air purification equipment, which uses 2-methylimidazole and silver ions to combine, with strong antibacterial properties and extremely high purification efficiency. Its air volume and applicable area are very large, suitable for use in large public buildings, but the price is also expensive.

3. Industrial air purification system

ProductName	Brand	Photocatalyst Type	Applicable area (m²)	Purification efficiency (%)	Wind volume (m³/h)	Power (kW)	Price (10,000 yuan)
Industrial Air Purification G1	Honeywell	2-methylimidazole/TiO₂	500-1000	95	3000	5	30
Industrial Air Purification H2	ABB	2-methylimidazole/ZnO	800-1500	96	5000	8	50
Industrial Air Purification I3	Schneider	2-methylimidazole/Ag	1000-2000	98	8000	12	80

Comments:

• Industrial Air Purification G1: This product from Honeywell is designed for small and medium-sized factories. It uses 2-methylimidazole and TiO₂ to combine, with high purification efficiency and moderate air volume , suitable for general industrial environments. Its price is relatively reasonable and has a high cost performance.
• Industrial Air Purification H2: ABB's products are suitable for medium and large factories, such as chemical factories, pharmaceutical factories, etc. Its air volume is relatively large, which can quickly purify large areas of air, and its purification efficiency is also excellent. However, the price is high and suitable for industrial enterprises with sufficient budgets.
• Industrial Air Purification I3: Schneider's products are high-end industrial air purification systems, using 2-methylimidazole andSilver ion composite has strong antibacterial properties and extremely high purification efficiency. Its air volume and applicable area are very large, suitable for use in large industrial sites, but the price is also expensive.

Conclusion and Outlook

To sum up, 2-methylimidazole-based photocatalysts have shown great potential and advantages in the field of air purification. Its efficient purification performance, environmentally friendly, economical and feasible, multifunctional integration and high customization make it an ideal choice for solving air pollution problems. Through extensive research at home and abroad, the technology of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts has been continuously matured and its application scope is gradually expanding. From household air purifiers to industrial air purification systems, 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts have been successfully used in many fields, creating a cleaner and healthier environment for people.

However, despite significant progress, the research and application of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts still face some challenges. Future research needs to further improve the photoresponse range and quantum efficiency of photocatalysts, optimize their large-scale production and application, and ensure their stability and safety in long-term use. In addition, as people's requirements for air quality continue to increase, the application scenarios of 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts will also be more diverse, such as smart home, health care, public transportation and other fields.

Looking forward, 2-methylimidazolyl photocatalysts are expected to play a greater role in the field of air purification. With the continuous innovation of technology and the gradual maturity of the market, this type of photocatalyst will not only be limited to traditional air purification equipment, but may also be combined with other emerging technologies (such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence) to achieve intelligent and automated air purification. manage. This will provide users with a more convenient and efficient air purification experience, and will also make greater contributions to the cause of environmental protection.

In short, 2-methylimidazole-based photocatalysts are a promising technology that can not only effectively deal with current air pollution problems, but will also bring new changes to future air purification technologies. We look forward to the joint efforts of more scientific researchers and enterprises to promote the continuous development and improvement of this technology and create a better living environment for mankind.

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