Poly(styrene sulfonic acid)–grafted carbon nanotube as a stable protonic acid catalyst

Poly(styrene sulfonic acid)–grafted carbon nanotube was prepared and used as a solid acid catalyst in the alkylation of hydroquinone with tert-butanol. The material exhibits high activity as well as good stability as compared with other carbon-based solid acids. 73.3% of conversion and 53.7% of 2-TBHQ yield can be reached at 150 °C.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights►Poly(styrene sulfonic acid)–grafted carbon nanotube was prepared by in-situ radical polymerization. ►The grafted carbon nanotube is a good catalyst for alkylation of hydroquinone. ►The stability of the catalyst is better than that of conventional sulfonated carbon-based solid acid. ►The deactivated catalyst can be regenerated when treated in diluted sulfuric acid at 60 °C.