Microcapsule-supported binuclear manganese complex as an efficient and reusable oxidation catalyst

• The heterogenization of a catalyst MnTMTACN was realized by microencapsulation technology.
• MnTMTACN well crystallized within the amorphous matrix.
• The microencapsulated MnTMTACN exhibited excellent catalytic activity and reusability.

Heterogenization of a biomimetic catalyst [MnIV2 (μ-O)3 (TMTACN)2][PF6]2·H2O (MnTMTACN) was realized by entrapping the manganese complex within biopolymer microspheres via an emulsification solvent extraction method. Elementary analysis and ultra violet-visible spectroscopy confirmed the successful encapsulation of MnTMTACN in the biopolymer microspheres. The surface and interior morphologies of the MnTMTACN-loaded microspheres were characterized with optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed not only a confined crystallization of MnTMTACN but also a good dispersion of these nanocrystals within the biopolymer microspheres. The encapsulated MnTMTACN exhibited a high catalytic activity and could be reused at least 7 times in catalyzing the oxidation of 2′,3,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone (morin) with hydrogen peroxide.

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