Metalloporphyrins immobilized on core–shell CeO2@SiO2 nanoparticles prepared by a double-coating method for oxidation of diphenyl methane

Metalloporphyrins immobilized on CeO2@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized by a double-coating method and used for catalytic oxidation of diphenyl methane. A variety of characterization techniques including FT-IR, UV–vis, SEM, TEM, XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption and TGA were employed. The results show that the catalyst consists of regular nanoparticles (around 400 nm) with core–shell structure and metalloporphyrins were immobilized on CeO2@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles via amide bonds. Moreover, these new developed catalysts for solvent-free selective oxidation of diphenyl methane exhibited an excellent catalytic activity, selectivity and stability. Furthermore, these catalysts could be reused 6 times without significant loss of their catalytic activity and the used catalysts maintained nearly the same physicochemical properties as the fresh.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (79 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Core–shell CeO2@SiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by a double-coating method. ► CeO2 modified by sodium citrate and coated with SiO2. ► Metalloporphyrin anchored onto CeO2@SiO2 nanoparticles by amide bond. ► Excellent catalytic performance for oxidation of diphenylmethane to diphenyl ketone. ► Remarkable reusability of the catalysts with high stability.