Ultrafine MnO2 nanoparticles decorated on graphene oxide as a highly efficient and recyclable catalyst for aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol

The highly active and selective aerobic oxidation of aromatic alcohols over earth-abundant, inexpensive and recyclable catalysts is highly desirable. We fabricated herein MnO2/graphene oxide (GO) composites by a facile in-situ growth approach at room temperature and used them in selective aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. TEM, XRD, FTIR, XPS and N2 adsorption/desorption analysis were employed to systematically investigate the morphology, particle size, structure and surface properties of the catalysts. The 96.8% benzyl alcohol conversion and 100% benzaldehyde selectivity over the MnO2/GO (10/100) catalyst with well dispersive ultrafine MnO2 nanoparticles (ca. 3 nm) can be obtained within 3 h under 383 K. Simultaneously, no appreciable loss of activity and selectivity occurred after recycling use up to six times. Due to their significant low cost, excellent catalytic performance, the MnO2/GO composites have huge application prospect in organic synthesis.

Ultrafine MnO2 nanoparticles decorated on graphene oxide (GO) prepared by a facile in-situ growth method at room temperature showed excellent catalytic performance for aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (226 K)Download as PowerPoint slide