Nanofiber-like mesoporous alumina supported palladium nanoparticles as a highly active catalyst for base-free oxidation of benzyl alcohol

The titled catalyst was prepared via gelation of mixture of PVP-Pd colloid and bohemite sol in the presence of graphitic microspheres as template to form nanofibrous Pd NPs-boehmite composite and subsequent calcination of Pd NPs-boehmite composite to convert boehmite into γ-Al2O3. The resultant catalyst exhibits excellent activity for aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol under base-free conditions. The unique architecture and synergic interaction between Pd NPs and Al2O3 contribute greatly to the high activity.188