Nanocarbon-based TEMPO as stable heterogeneous catalysts for partial oxidation of alcohols

Polymerized fullerene hollow spheres bonded with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) have been successfully synthesized via amination of C60 with 4-amino-TEMPO in the presence of H2O2, and then cross-linked by 1,6-hexanediamine. The hollow spheres were analyzed by fourier transform infrared spectrometer, electron spin resonance and X-ray photoelectron spec troscopy analysis, which indicated the presence of N-O free radicals in the products. When used as a typical heterogeneous catalyst for selective oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones, it exhibited excellent activities, selectivity and recyclability. This synthesis route is convenient and effective, and may provide a new approach to developing immobilized fullerene based heterogeneous catalysts with high activity and recyclability.