Synthesis and characterization of polymer/microporous molecular sieve nanocomposite as a shape-selective basic catalyst

This paper reports the preparation and characterization of poly(4-vinylpyridine)/AlPO4-11 nanocomposite and its application in Knoevenagel condensation as a novel basic catalyst. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, XRF, FT-IR, TGA, BET, SEM, and back titration using NaOH and TPD techniques. Several AlPO4-11 with different Al/P ratios were prepared, and the effect of the Al/P ratio on the surface properties and acidity of the support were studied. The use of AlPO4-11 as a new supporting material for the Poly(4-vinylpyridine) was tested for the Knoevenagel condensation. Excellent yields at room temperature in aqueous and solvent-free conditions were obtained by this nanocomposite. Accordingly, the catalyst showed shape selectivity in the Knoevenagel reaction. It was observed that the activity of the catalyst just decreased to 90% after five regeneration processes were performed.