Styrene oxidation by H2O2 using Ni–Gd ferrites prepared by co-precipitation method

Gadolinium substituted nickel ferrites were prepared by co-precipitation method using NaOH at pH 14 at room temperature. Spinel phase formation was identified by taking the XRD pattern. DRIFT, TG, BET surface area and pore volume measurements, SEM and EDAX were the other characterization techniques used. Mössbauer analysis was performed to find out the site distribution of iron. Under optimized conditions, the prepared spinels were selectively forming benzaldehyde by the oxidation of styrene. Hydrogen peroxide was used as the oxidant. Effect of reaction temperature, reaction time, styrene to hydrogen peroxide molar ratio and effect of solvent medium were also studied.