ZnO/CuSb2O6 as a novel photocatalyst with enhanced performance in the synthesis of 1H-pyrazolo[1, 2-b]phthalazine-5, 10-diones as important mediators in designing wound dressing hydrogels

Phthalazinediones are important heterocyclic compounds known for their diverse biological and pharmacological activities. The anti-bacterial properties of these organic compounds suggest potential benefits when incorporated into wound dressing hydrogels, preventing infection and reducing inflammation at the wound site. This research introduces a novel heterojunction photocatalyst, ZnO/CuSb 2 O 6 , integrating ZnO and CuSb 2 O 6 with boosted photocatalytic efficiency. The physicochemical properties of ZnO/CuSb 2 O 6 were analyzed using FT-IR, UV-Vis, XRD, XPS, FE-SEM, TGA, TEM, and EDS. Electrochemical studies revealed that this nanoparticle has less charge-transfer resistance and a higher charge-mobility and photocatalytic performance compared to its ingredients. UV-Vis spectroscopy and M-S plots showed that band-gap energy of this Z-scheme photocatalyst aligns with the visible-light region and ZnO functions as an n-type semiconductor, whereas CuSb 2 O 6 behaves as a p-type semiconductor. The catalytic performance of ZnO/CuSb 2 O 6 was assessed in the production of some phthalazinediones through the three-component coupling of an aromatic aldehyde, phthalhydrazide, and malononitrile in ethanol in the presence of 10 mg catalyst and illumination of an HP Hg, 200W at 50 °C for 15 min. The hot-filtration, light on-off experiment, and performing some scavengers exhibited no important leaching of ingredients during the photocatalytic reaction, mainly driven by hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. This study offers several advantages, including high yield, reduced process time, straightforward work-up, and ease of separating and reusing the photocatalyst.