Oxidation of Alcohols with Molecular Oxygen on Solid Catalysts

Dehydrogenation of ethanol to acetaldehyde with nitrous oxide over the metal-organic framework NU-1000: a density functional theory study

The conversion of ethanol to more valuable hydrocarbon compounds receives great attention in chemical industries because it could diminish the dependency on petroleum as raw material. We investigate the catalytic performance of Fe-supported MOF NU-1000 for the dehydrogenation of ethanol to acetaldehyde with nitrous oxide (N2O) by deriving the relevant reaction profiles with density functional theory calculations. In the proposed mechanism, the activation barrier of the rate-determining step is almost four times lower in the presence of N2O than without it. The supported NU-1000 framework plays also important role since it facilitates electron transfers and stabilizes all species along the reaction coordinate. When considering the catalytic activity of tetravalent metal centers (Zr, Hf and Ti) substituted into NU-1000 it is found that their activity decreases in the order Hf ≥ Zr > Ti, based on activation energies and turnover frequencies (TOF). Concerning MOF linkers, we show that the catalytic activity is not further improved by functionalizing NU-1000 with either electron-donating or electron-withdrawing organic groups.

Dirhodium(II)-Catalyzed C(sp2 )-H Azidation of Benzaldehydes

Multiple steps are needed to achieve the C-H functional of aromatic aldehyde, since the C-H functional reaction usually occurs preferentially at the aldehydic C-H bond over the aryl C-H bond. We report an efficient azidation method mediated by dirhodium(II) catalysts to achieve the direct aryl azidation of aromatic aldehydes avoiding the simultaneous use of protected aldehydes and prefunctionalized arenes. The regioselectivity of this method is similar to those of typical aromatic electrophilic substitution reactions. The resulting azidobenzaldehyde products are versatile building blocks or precursors for the synthesis of many biologically active compounds. The mechanism studies indicate that the one-electron oxidative intermediate Rh₂ ^(II,III) N₃ is responsible for the azide transfer.

Catalytic Filter for Continuous and Selective Ethanol Removal Prior to Gas Sensing

Ethanol is a major confounder in gas sensing because of its omnipresence in indoor air and breath from disinfectants or alcoholic beverages. In fact, most modern gas sensors (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes, or metal oxides) are sensitive to ethanol. This is challenging because ethanol is often present at higher concentrations than target analytes. Here, a simple and modular packed bed filter is presented that selectively and continuously removes ethanol (and other alcohols like 1-butanol, isopropanol, and methanol) over critical acetone, CH₄, H₂, toluene, and benzene at 30-90% relative humidity. This filter consists of catalytically active ZnO nanoparticles (d_BET = 55 nm) made by flame aerosol technology and annealing. Continuous oxidation of ethanol to CO₂ and H₂ was observed at filter temperatures above 260 °C while below that, unwanted acetaldehyde was formed. Most remarkably, ethanol concentrations up to 185 ppm were removed from exhaled breath in preliminary tests with an alcohol intoxicated volunteer, as confirmed by mass spectrometry. At the same time, almost 4 orders of magnitude lower (e.g., 0.025 ppm) acetone concentrations were preserved. This was superior to previous catalyst filters (e.g., CuO, SnO₂, and Fe₂O₃) with overlapping ethanol and acetone conversions and related to ZnO's surface basicity. The ZnO filter performance was stable (±2.5% conversion variability) for, at least, 21 days. Finally, when combined with a Si-doped WO₃ sensor, the filter effectively mitigated ethanol interference when sensing acetone without compromising the sensor's fast response and recovery times. Such catalytic filters can be combined readily with all gas sensors.

Palladium supported on a novel ordered mesoporous polypyrrole/carbon nanocomposite as a powerful heterogeneous catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids and ketones on water

Preparation of an ordered mesoporous polypyrrole/carbon (PPy/OMC) composite has been described through a two-step nanocasting process using KIT-6 as a template. Characterization of the PPy/OMC nanocomposite by various analysis methods such as TEM, XRD, TGA, SEM and N₂ sorption confirmed the preparation of a material with ordered mesoporous structure, uniform pore size distribution, high surface area and high stability. This nanocomposite was then used for the immobilization of palladium nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were almost uniformly distributed on the support with a narrow particle size of 20-25 nm, confirmed by various analysis methods. Performance of the Pd@PPy/OMC catalyst was evaluated in the aerobic oxidation of various primary and secondary alcohols on water as a green solvent, giving the corresponding carboxylic acids and ketones in high yields and excellent selectivity. The catalyst could also be reused for at least 10 reaction runs without losing its catalytic activity and selectivity. High catalytic efficiency of the catalyst can be attributed to a strong synergism between the PPy/OMC and that of supported Pd nanoparticles.

Role of the Support in Gold-Containing Nanoparticles as Heterogeneous Catalysts

In this review, we discuss selected examples from recent literature on the role of the support on directing the nanostructures of Au-based monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles. The role of support is then discussed in relation to the catalytic properties of Au-based monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles using different gas phase and liquid phase reactions. The reactions discussed include CO oxidation, aerobic oxidation of monohydric and polyhydric alcohols, selective hydrogenation of alkynes, hydrogenation of nitroaromatics, CO₂ hydrogenation, C–C coupling, and methane oxidation. Only studies where the role of support has been explicitly studied in detail have been selected for discussion. However, the role of support is also examined using examples of reactions involving unsupported metal nanoparticles (i.e., colloidal nanoparticles). It is clear that the support functionality can play a crucial role in tuning the catalytic activity that is observed and that advanced theory and characterization add greatly to our understanding of these fascinating catalysts.

Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol Compounds in the Presence of Carbon Hybrid Supported Platinum Nanoparticles (Pt@CHs) in Oxygen Atmosphere

A novel catalyst which carbon hybrid supported platinum nanoparticles were synthesized by our group for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol derivatives. In this study, this catalyst was utilized for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol derivatives to benzaldehyde compounds in aqueous toluene at 80 °C. The benzaldehyde derivatives were synthesized in high yields and mild conditions in the presence of the catalyst by the developed method. Additionally, the prepared nanoparticles have been characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), the high-resolution electron micrograph (HR-TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The mean particle size of the nanoparticles determined by the XRD technique was found to be 2.83 nm in parallel with TEM analysis. TEM analysis also indicated that the Pt nanoparticles were evenly dispersed on the support material. Finally, the Pt@CHs catalyst was shown also stable and reusable for the oxidation reaction, providing ≤95% conversion after its 3rd consecutive use in the oxidation reaction of various compounds.

Synthesis of α,β- and β-Unsaturated Acids and Hydroxy Acids by Tandem Oxidation, Epoxidation, and Hydrolysis/Hydrogenation of Bioethanol Derivatives

We report a reaction platform for the synthesis of three different high‐value specialty chemical building blocks starting from bio‐ethanol, which might have an important impact in the implementation of biorefineries. First, oxidative dehydrogenation of ethanol to acetaldehyde generates an aldehyde‐containing stream active for the production of C₄ aldehydes via base‐catalyzed aldol‐condensation. Then, the resulting C₄ adduct is selectively converted into crotonic acid via catalytic aerobic oxidation (62 % yield). Using a sequential epoxidation and hydrogenation of crotonic acid leads to 29 % yield of β‐hydroxy acid (3‐hydroxybutanoic acid). By controlling the pH of the reaction media, it is possible to hydrolyze the oxirane moiety leading to 21 % yield of α,β‐dihydroxy acid (2,3‐dihydroxybutanoic acid). Crotonic acid, 3‐hydroxybutanoic acid, and 2,3‐dihydroxybutanoic acid are archetypal specialty chemicals used in the synthesis of polyvinyl‐co‐unsaturated acids resins, pharmaceutics, and bio‐degradable/ ‐compatible polymers, respectively.

Highly Dispersed RuOOH Nanoparticles on Silica Spheres: An Efficient Photothermal Catalyst for Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol

Photothermal catalysis represents a promising strategy to utilize the renewable energy source (e.g., solar energy) to drive chemical reactions more efficiently. Successful and efficient photothermal catalysis relies on the availability of ideal photothermal catalysts, which can provide both large areas of catalytically active surface and strong light absorption power simultaneously. Such duplex requirements of a photothermal catalyst exhibit opposing dependence on the size of the catalyst nanoparticles, i.e., smaller size is beneficial for achieving higher surface area and more active surface, whereas larger size favors the light absorption in the nanoparticles. In this article, we report the synthesis of ultrafine RuOOH nanoparticles with a size of 2-3 nm uniformly dispersed on the surfaces of silica (SiOx) nanospheres of hundreds of nanometers in size to tackle this challenge of forming an ideal photothermal catalyst. The ultrasmall RuOOH nanoparticles exhibit a large surface area as well as the ability to activate adsorbed molecular oxygen. The SiOx nanospheres exhibit strong surface light scattering resonances to enhance the light absorption power of the small RuOOH nanoparticles anchored on the SiOx surface. Therefore, the RuOOH/SiOx composite particles represent a new class of efficient photothermal catalysts with a photothermal energy conversion efficiency of 92.5% for selective aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzylaldehyde under ambient conditions.

Discrimination of 1- and 2-Propanol by Using the Transient Current Change of a Semiconducting ZnFe2 O4 Chemiresistor

A semiconducting metal oxide (SMO) chemiresistor (ZnFe₂ O₄ ) is used for discriminating two isomeric volatile organic compounds (VOCs), namely 1- and 2-propanol. The transient current of the SMO chemiresistor is correlated with the aerobic oxidation of organic vapors on its surface. The changes in transient current of the ZnFe₂ O₄ chemiresistor are measured at different temperatures (260-320 °C) for detecting equal concentrations (200 ppm) of the two structural isomers of propanol. The transient current of ZnFe₂ O₄ reflects a faster oxidation of 2-propanol than 1-propanol on the surface. First-principles calculations and kinetic studies on the interaction of 1- and 2-propanol over ZnFe₂ O₄ provide further insight in support of the experimental evidence. The calculations predict more spontaneous adsorption of 2-propanol on the (111) surface of ZnFe₂ O₄ than 1-propanol. Kinetic parameters for the oxidation of isomeric vapors are estimated by modelling the transient current of ZnFe₂ O₄ using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood reaction mechanism. The faster oxidation of 2-propanol and comparatively lower activation energy for the respective process over ZnFe₂ O₄ is justified in accordance to the chemical structures of vapors. The findings have strong implications in exploring a new technique for discriminating isomeric VOCs, which is significant for environmental monitoring and medical applications.

Probing the relevance of MoO2 nanoparticles' synthesis on their catalytic activity by inelastic neutron scattering

Nanosized MoO2 can be prepared by different protocols, which yield different morphologies of the nanoparticles. Among their many properties, they can serve as catalysts for styrene oxidation (among other olefins), which is an industrially relevant transformation. In this work, we prepared MoO2 nanosized catalysts by two slightly different hydrothermal protocols using ethylenediamine and either Fe2O3 or hydroquinone. When used in catalysis, kinetic data evidenced that depending on the synthesis protocol of MoO2, induction periods occur (for the catalyst prepared with hydroquinone) with obvious different kinetic profiles and, in addition, product selectivity was also affected. To gain some insight on what is behind these results of the catalytic activity, a combined approach of studies has been conducted. DRIFT and inelastic neutron scattering (INS) techniques were used to assess the adsorbed species at the surface of both the fresh (DRIFT and INS) and recovered (INS) catalysts. Results from this study showed that when hydroquinone was used, an organic shell coated the MoO2 nanoparticles, which negatively influenced the catalytic performance.

A nanohybrid self-assembled from exfoliated layered vanadium oxide nanosheets and Keggin Al13 for selective catalytic oxidation of alcohols

A porous V₂O₅–Al₁₃ nanohybrid based on the self-assembly of Keggin Al₁₃ and exfoliated V₂O₅ nanosheets for selective oxidation of alcohols.

Direct electrooxidation of alkynes to benzoin bis-ethers

Electrosynthesis of benzoin bis-ethers from alkynes and alcohols under metal-free and external oxidant free conditions.

Magnetically recoverable porphyrin-based nanocatalysts for the effective oxidation of olefins with hydrogen peroxide: a comparative study

A simple method for the functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles, which is achieved by the attachment of metalloporphyrin onto the surface of amine functionalized silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles via an amide bond.

A sodium trifluoromethanesulfinate-mediated photocatalytic strategy for aerobic oxidation of alcohols

A sodium trifluoromethanesulfinate-mediated photocatalytic strategy for the aerobic oxidation of secondary and primary alcohols to ketones and carboxylic acids has been developed for the first time.

Oxygen and peroxide bridged uranyl(vi) dimers bearing tetradentate hybrid ligands: supramolecular self-assembly and generation pathway

Crystals of U(vi) complexes with N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-2,2′-bipyridine-6,6′-dicarboxamide and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxamide were obtained under variable reaction conditions, and the structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Design of Au@Ag/BiOCl–OV photocatalyst and its application in selective alcohol oxidation driven by plasmonic carriers using O2 as the oxidant

Au@Ag/BiOCl–OV exhibits outstanding photocatalytic selective oxidation ability because of the SPR coupling effect and strong O₂ adsorption of oxygen vacancies.

Oxidation of lignocellulosic platform molecules to value-added chemicals using heterogeneous catalytic technologies

This minireview gives an overview about heterogeneous catalytic technologies for the oxidation of key platform molecules (glucose, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural and levulinic acid) into valuable chemicals.

Surface modification of graphene oxide via noncovalent functionalization with porphyrins for selective photocatalytic oxidation of alcohols

GO–porphyrin composites were simply prepared by a self-assembly process. The noncovalent interactions between the porphyrins and oxygen-containing functional groups on GO play a crucial role in controlling their photocatalytic activities.

Well-Defined Materials for Heterogeneous Catalysis: From Nanoparticles to Isolated Single-Atom Sites

The use of well-defined materials in heterogeneous catalysis will open up numerous new opportunities for the development of advanced catalysts to address the global challenges in energy and the environment. This review surveys the roles of nanoparticles and isolated single atom sites in catalytic reactions. In the second section, the effects of size, shape, and metal-support interactions are discussed for nanostructured catalysts. Case studies are summarized to illustrate the dynamics of structure evolution of well-defined nanoparticles under certain reaction conditions. In the third section, we review the syntheses and catalytic applications of isolated single atomic sites anchored on different types of supports. In the final part, we conclude by highlighting the challenges and opportunities of well-defined materials for catalyst development and gaining a fundamental understanding of their active sites.

Nanoengineering Carbon Spheres as Nanoreactors for Sustainable Energy Applications

Colloidal carbon sphere nanoreactors have been explored extensively as a class of versatile materials for various applications in energy storage, electrochemical conversion, and catalysis, due to their unique properties such as excellent electrical conductivity, high specific surface area, controlled porosity and permeability, and surface functionality. Here, the latest updated research on colloidal carbon sphere nanoreactor, in terms of both their synthesis and applications, is summarized. Various synthetic strategies are first discussed, including the hard template method, the soft template method, hydrothermal carbonization, the microemulsion polymerization method, and extension of the Stöber method. Then, the functionalization of colloidal carbon sphere nanoreactors, including the nanoengineering of compositions and the surface features, is discussed. Afterward, recent progress in the major applications of colloidal carbon sphere nanoreactors, in the areas of energy storage, electrochemical conversion, and catalysis, is presented. Finally, the perspectives and challenges for future developments are discussed in terms of controlled synthesis and functionalization of the colloidal carbon sphere nanoreactors with tunable structure, and the composition and properties that are desirable for practical applications.