SO42 −/ZrO2–titania nanotubes as efficient solid superacid catalysts for selective mononitration of toluene

SO42 −/ZrO2–titania nanotubes–X (SO42 −/ZrO2–TNTs–X; X of Ti/Zr) solid superacid catalysts with different atom ratios (Ti/Zr) were successfully prepared. The SO42 −/ZrO2–TNTs–2 (Ti/Zr of 2) have a specific surface area of 394 m2/g and an acid intensity of 1.839 mmol/g. The SO42 −/ZrO2–TNTs–2 show excellent selectivity (p/o of 3.34) and activity (yield of 98%) in the selective mononitration of toluene. Importantly, the SO42 −/ZrO2–TNTs–2 can be efficiently recycled and regenerated by simple sulfuric acid soaking.

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► The SO42 −/ZrO2–titania nanotubes have been successfully prepared and show.
► Excellent catalytic performance in selective mononitration of toluene.
► They can be also efficiently recycled and regenerated by sulfuric acid soaking.