Preparation of palladated porous nitrogen-doped carbon using halloysite as porogen: disclosing its utility as a hydrogenation catalyst

Efficient oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides catalyzed by heterogeneous Zr-containing polyoxometalate grafted on graphene oxide

In this study, a tri-component composite named Zr/SiW12/GO was meticulously prepared through an ultrasonic-assisted method. This composite incorporates zirconium nanoparticles (Lewis acid), a negatively charged Keggin type polyoxometalate, and graphene oxide, and serves as a remarkable heterogeneous catalyst. The Keggin component plays multiple roles as reducing, encapsulating, and bridging agents, resulting in a cooperative effect among the three components that significantly enhances the catalytic activity. The catalytic performance of Zr/SiW12/GO was thoroughly investigated in the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides under mild conditions, employing H2O2 as the oxidant. Remarkably, this composite exhibited exceptional stability and could be effortlessly recovered and reused up to four times without any noticeable loss in its catalytic activity.

Ionic liquid-loaded triazine-based magnetic nanoparticles for promoting multicomponent reaction

A novel hybrid magnetic ionic-liquid as a heterogeneous catalyst was synthesized by hybridization of imidazolium based-ionic liquid onto the nitrogen rich magnetic nanocomposite. The resulting catalyst (n-Fe3O4@SiO2-TA-SO3H IL) has two advantages besides recyclability: (i) high capacity of functional-SO3H group with imidazolium-IL cation for promoting symmetric and asymmetric Hantzsch reaction and (ii) easy recovery. Caused by the polymeric and magnetic nature of the n-Fe3O4@SiO2-TA-SO3H IL, large quantities of acidic groups were bound to the n-Fe3O4@SiO2-TA surface, which reduced the catalyst mass applied to the catalytic reaction. Moreover, superior catalytic performance and outstanding recyclability of n-Fe3O4@SiO2-TA-SO3H IL in mild condition make this method a green pathway for manufacture of satisfactory chemicals.

Direction of theoretical and experimental investigation into the mechanism of n-HA/Si-PA-SC@Ag as a bio-based heterogeneous catalyst in the reduction reactions

In the present study, a natural-based heterogeneous catalyst is synthesized. For this purpose, nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) is prepared, silica-modified and functionalized with phthalimide. Finally, Ag²⁺ was immobilized onto n-HA/Si-PA-SC and reduced to Ag nanoparticles by Bellis perennis flowers extract. n-HA/Si-PA-SC@Ag characterized by TGA, FTIR, SEM/EDX, XRD, TEM, BET and ICP-AES techniques. Moreover, metal-ligand interactions in n-HA/Si-PA-SC@Ag complex models were assessed to make a quantitative representation for the immobilization behavior of Ag NPs on the surface of n-HA/Si-PA-SC through quantum chemistry computations. Furthermore, the performance of n-HA/Si-PA-SC@Ag was studied in the nitroarene, methylene blue and congo red reductions. Finally, the recyclability study as well as Ag-leaching verified that, n-HA/Si-PA-SC@Ag was stable and reused-up to four times without losing its activity.

Heteroployacid on the composite of boehmite and polyionic liquid as a catalyst for alcohol oxidation and tandem alcohol oxidation Knoevenagel condensation reactions

Using boehmite as an available and low-cost natural compound, a bi-functional catalytic composite is prepared through vinyl-functionalization of boehmite, followed by polymerization with the as-prepared bis-vinylimidazolium bromide ionic liquid and supporting of phosphotungstic acid. The catalyst was characterized via ICP, XRD, TGA, FTIR, SEM/EDS and elemental mapping analysis and applied for promoting alcohol oxidation reaction and one-pot tandem alcohol oxidation/Knoevenagel condensation reaction in aqueous media under mild reaction condition. The results indicated high catalytic activity of the catalyst for both reactions. This protocol showed high generality and aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic alcohols could be applied as substrates to furnish the corresponding products in high to excellent yields. Furthermore, hot filtration test confirmed true heterogeneous nature of the catalysis. The catalyst could also be recovered readily and reused for at least five runs of the reaction with low loss of the activity and phosphotungstic acid leaching upon each run.

Incorporating heterogeneous lacunary Keggin anions as efficient catalysts for solvent-free cyanosilylation of aldehydes and ketones

Polyoxometalates (POMs) as efficient catalysts can be used a wide range of chemical transformations due to their tunable Brønsted/Lewis-acidity and redox properties. Herein, we reported two hybrid and heterogeneous lacunary Keggin catalysts: (TBA)₇[PW₁₁O₃₉] (TBA-PW₁₁) and (TBA)₈[SiW₁₁O₃₉]·4H₂O (TBA-SiW₁₁) (TBA⁺: tetrabutylammonium) in which [XW₁₁O₃₉]ⁿ⁻ anions were coated by TBA⁺ cations. In this form, TBA⁺ can easily trap reactants on the surface of the catalysts and increase the catalytic reaction. Therefore, the catalytic performance of both POMs was tested in cyanosilylation of numerous compounds bearing-carbonyl group and trimethylsilyl cyanide under solvent-free conditions. TBA-PW₁₁ is more effective than TBA-SiW₁₁, conceivably due to the higher Lewis acidity of the P than the Si center and to the higher accessibility of the metal centers in the framework structure. Noteworthy, the recyclability and heterogeneity of both POMs catalysts were also examined, and the results confirmed that they remain active at least after three recycling procedures.

Architectural design of core-shell nanotube systems based on aluminosilicate clay

A nanoarchitectural approach to the design of functional nanomaterials based on natural aluminosilicate nanotubes and their catalysis, and practical applications are described in this paper. We focused on the buildup of hybrid core-shell systems with metallic or organic molecules encased in aluminosilicate walls, and nanotube templates for structured silica and zeolite preparation. The basis for such an architectural design is a unique Al₂O₃/SiO₂ dual chemistry of 50 nm diameter halloysite tubes. Their structure and site dependent properties are well combined with biocompatibility, environmental safety, and abundant availability, which makes the described functional systems scalable for industrial applications. In these organic/ceramic hetero systems, we outline drug, dye and chemical inhibitor loading inside the clay nanotubes, accomplished with their silane or amphiphile molecule surface modifications. For metal-ceramic tubule composites, we detailed the encapsulation of 2-5 nm Au, Ru, Pt, and Ag particles, Ni and Co oxides, NiMo, and quantum dots of CdZn sulfides into the lumens or their attachment at the outside surface. These metal-clay core-shell nanosystems show high catalytic efficiency with increased mechanical and temperature stabilities. The combination of halloysite nanotubes with mesoporous MCM-41 silica allowed for a synergetic enhancement of catalysis properties. Finally, we outlined the clay nanotubes' self-assembly into organized arrays with orientation and ordering similar to nematic liquid crystals, and these systems are applicable for life-related applications, such as petroleum spill bioremediation, antimicrobial protection, wound healing, and human hair coloring.

Pd on thermo-responsive composite of silica-coated carbon nanotube and 1-vinyl-3-butylimidazolium-based ionic liquid copolymers as an efficient catalyst for hydrogenation of nitro compounds

In this work, an ionic liquid-containing thermo-responsive heterogeneous catalyst with utility for promoting hydrogenation of nitro-compounds in aqueous media is developed. To prepare the catalyst, silica-coated carbon nanotubes were synthesized and vinyl-functionalized. The resulted compound was then polymerized with 1-viny-3-butylimidazolium bromide and N-isopropylacrylamide. The obtained ionic liquid-containing thermo-responsive composite was palladated via wet-impregnation method to give the final catalyst. Study of the performance of the catalyst confirmed high catalytic activity of the catalyst at temperature above the lower critical solution temperature. Furthermore, the catalyst was highly recyclable and showed negligible Pd leaching upon recycling. Broad substrate scope and selectivity of the catalyst towards reduction of nitro functionality were also confirmed. Furthermore, hot filtration test implied the heterogeneous nature of the catalysis. The comparison of the activity of Pd/CNT-P with some control catalysts approved the importance of hybridization of P and CNT and the presence of ionic liquid for the catalytic activity.

Investigation of halloysite nanotubes and Schiff base combination with deposited copper iodide nanoparticles as a novel heterogeneous catalytic system

The design, preparation and characterization of a novel composite based on functionalization of halloysite nanoclay with Schiff base followed by immobilization of copper iodide as nanoparticles is revealed. This novel nano composite was fully characterized by utilization of FTIR, SEM/EDX, TGA, XRD and BET techniques. This Cu(I) NPs immobilized onto halloysite was successfully examined as a heterogeneous, thus easily recoverable and reusable catalyst in one of classist organic name reaction so-called “Click Reaction”. That comprised a three component reaction of phenylacetylene, α-haloketone or alkyl halide and sodium azide in aqueous media to furnish 1,2,3‐triazoles in short reaction time and high yields. Remarkably, the examination of the reusability of the catalyst confirmed that the catalyst could be reused at least six reaction runs without appreciable loss of its catalytic activity.

Magnetic composite of γ-Fe2O3 hollow sphere and palladium doped nitrogen-rich mesoporous carbon as a recoverable catalyst for C-C coupling reactions

In this article, palladated-magnetic nitrogen doped porous carbon was prepared from nano magnetic γ-Fe2O3 hollow sphere (h-Fe2O3) with high specific surface area and pore volume. To the purpose, initially h-Fe2O3 was prepared and covered with glucose via hydrothermal treatment with subsequent polymerization of organic shell. The polymerization of melamine-resorcinol-formaldehyde (MRF) was achieved in the presence of Cl-functionalized glucose coated h-Fe2O3 (h-Fe2O3@glu-MRF). Next, the prepared magnetic core-shell hollow sphere was palladated followed by carbonization to yield Pd@h-Fe2O3@C introducing more pores in its structure. The resulted compound, Pd@h-Fe2O3@C, was fully characterized, showing that carbonization process expressively increased the specific surface area. The resulted Pd@h-Fe2O3@C was successfully used for promoting C-C coupling reactions under mild reaction conditions as a heterogeneous catalyst and its activity was compared with some prepared control catalysts. This novel catalyst was magnetically separated simply by a magnet bar and recycled and reused at least in five consecutive runs, without considerable loss of its activity. It is note mentioning that, high recyclability with low Pd leaching are another gains of this protocol.

How to Make a Cocktail of Palladium Catalysts with Cola and Alcohol: Heteroatom Doping vs. Nanoscale Morphology of Carbon Supports

Sparkling drinks such as cola can be considered an affordable and inexpensive starting material consisting of carbohydrates and sulfur- and nitrogen-containing organic substances in phosphoric acid, which makes them an excellent precursor for the production of heteroatom-doped carbon materials. In this study, heteroatom-doped carbon materials were successfully prepared in a quick and simple manner using direct carbonization of regular cola and diet cola. The low content of carbon in diet cola allowed reaching a higher level of phosphorus in the prepared carbon material, as well as obtaining additional doping with nitrogen and sulfur due to the presence of sweeteners and caffeine. Effects of carbon support doping with phosphorus, nitrogen and sulfur, as well as of changes in textural properties by ball milling, on the catalytic activity of palladium catalysts were investigated in the Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck reactions. Contributions of the heteroatom doping and specific surface area of the carbon supports to the increased activity of supported catalysts were discussed. Additionally, the possibility of these reactions to proceed in 40% potable ethanol was studied. Moreover, transformation of various palladium particles (complexes and nanoparticles) in the reaction medium was detected by mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy, which evidenced the formation of a cocktail of catalysts in a commercial 40% ethanol/water solution.

Clay nanotube-metal core/shell catalysts for hydroprocesses

Catalytic hydroprocesses play a significant role in oil refining and petrochemistry. The tailored design of new metal nanosystems and optimization of their support, composition, and structure is a prospective strategy for enhancing the efficiency of catalysts. Mesoporous support impacts the active component by binding it to the surface, which leads to the formation of tiny highly dispersed catalytic particles stabilized from aggregation and with minimized leaching. The structural and acidic properties of the support are crucial and determine the size and dispersion of the active metal phase. Currently, research efforts are shifted toward the design of nanoscale porous materials, where homogeneous catalysts are displaced by heterogeneous. Ceramic materials, such as 50 nm diameter natural halloysite nanotubes, are of special interest for this. Much attention to halloysite clay is due to its tubular structure with a hollow 10-15 nm diameter internal cavity, textural characteristics, and different chemical compositions of the outer/inner surfaces, allowing selective nanotube modification. Loading halloysite with metal particles or placing them outside the tubes provides stable and efficient mesocatalysts. The low cost of this abundant nanoclay makes it a good choice for the scaled-up architectural design of core-shell catalysts, containing active metal sites (Au, Ag, Pt, Ru, Co, Mo, Fe₂O₃, CdS, CdZnS, Cu-Ni) located inside or outside the tubular template. These alumosilicate nanotubes are environment-friendly and are available in thousands of tons. Herein, we summarized the advances of halloysite-based composite materials for hydroprocesses, focusing on the selective binding of metal particles. We analyze the tubes' morphology adjustments and size selection, the physicochemical properties of pristine and modified halloysite (e.g., acid-etched or silanized), the methods of metal clusters formation, and their localization. We indicate prospective routes for the architectural design of stable and efficient nanocatalysts based on this safe and natural clay material.

Bio-assisted synthesized Pd nanoparticles supported on ionic liquid decorated magnetic halloysite: an efficient catalyst for degradation of dyes

Using natural materials, i.e. halloysite nanoclay that is a biocompatible naturally occurring clay and Heracleum persicum extract that can serve as a green reducing agent, a novel magnetic catalyst, Fe₃O₄/Hal-Mel-TEA(IL)-Pd, has been designed and fabricated. To prepare the catalyst, halloysite was first magnetized (magnetic particles with mean diameter of 13.06 ± 3.1 nm) and then surface functionalized with melamine, 1,4 dibromobutane and triethanolamine to provide ionic liquid on the halloysite surface (5 wt%). The latter was then used as a support to immobilize Pd nanoparticles that were reduced by Heracleum persicum extract. The characterization of the catalyst established that the loading of Pd in Fe₃O₄/Hal-Mel-TEA(IL)-Pd was very low (0.93 wt%) and its specific surface area was 63 m²g⁻¹. Moreover, the catalyst showed magnetic property (Ms = 19.75 emu g⁻¹) and could be magnetically separated from the reaction. The catalytic performance of the magnetic catalyst for reductive degradation of methyl orange and rhodamine B in the presence of NaBH₄ in aqueous media was investigated. The activation energy, enthalpy, and entropy for the reduction of methyl orange were estimated as 42.02 kJ mol⁻¹, 39.40 kJ mol⁻¹, and −139.06 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, respectively. These values for rhodamine B were calculated as 39.97 kJ mol⁻¹, 34.33 kJ mol⁻¹, and −155.18 Jmol⁻¹K⁻¹, respectively. Notably, Fe₃O₄/Hal-Mel-TEA(IL)-Pd could be reused for eight reaction runs with negligible loss of the catalytic activity (~3%) and Pd leaching (0.01 wt% of the initial loading).