Papers by Author: Ben Mei Wei

Abstract: For the first time a systematic research on the catalytic activity of CuX_n (X=Cl, Br, I; x=1,2) for the cross-coupling reaction of alkyl halides with Grignard reagents was carried out and environmentally friendly, economical CuBr₂ showed highest catalytic activity among the catalyst. The conditions of the cross-coupling reaction were studied. The suitable amount of catalyst, reaction temperature and time are 0.3% mol (based on alkyl halide), 67°C (reflux), 6 h, respectively. Under the optimal conditions, the yields of the cross-coupling could reach up to 93%. Moreover, Grignard reagent with an electron-rich group reacted rapidly and with an electron-withdrawing group reacted sluggishly.

Abstract: The thiol-functionalized eggshell membrane (TF-ESM) was prepared by esterification between thioglycolic acid (CH2SHCOOH) and oxygen-containing functional groups on eggshell membrane (ESM). A promising potential biosorbent, TF-ESM, was used for the removal of toxic mercury in wastewater. Aqueous of mercury ions removing properties by TF-ESM were studied through batch experiments. The results indicated that the modified ESM has greatly enhanced the adsorption capacity for Hg2+, the maximum capacity was increased more than 3-fold in comparison with the unmodified ESM, from 19.4 mg g-1 to 71.9 mg g-1. The optimum of pH value for Hg adsorption was in the range of 2-8, which the removing rate over 96%. The results obtained show that the novel thiol-functionalized eggshell membrane performed well the removal and recovery of mercury from low concentration wastewaters.

Abstract: This study was aimed at the development of a green and reusable catalyst for Friedel-Crafts acylation. Firstly, Hydroxyapatite (HAP) and Hydroxyapatite-zinc bromide (HAP-ZnBr2) have been prepared by the co-precipatation method and hydrothermal method respectively. Their structures were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Infrared Spectroscopy (IR). The catalytic efficiency of HAP-ZnBr2 was examined for Friedel-Crafts acylation of anisole. The results showed that the catalyst was green, high activity, high selectivity and it could be reused at least 5 times without obvious activity loss.