Catalytic activity of Cr2O2/sepiolite in the oxidation of benzyl alcochol

Abstract

Cr203/sepiolite samples with different loadings have been synthesized from corresponding nitrate salts at constant pH conditions and characterized by several physical methods including X-ray diffraction, TEM, nitrogen physisorption, and TGA, etc. The as­ prepared materials have large surface area, high distribution of Cr203 nanoxides on the nanofibrous sepiolite. The prepared solids were used as heterogeneous catalysts for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol with t-BuOOH. Chromium oxides were found to be active sites for the liquid oxidation of benzyl alcohol to aldehyde. The catalytic activity varied with reaction time and temperature. The appropriate temperature is about 60-70°C with conversion of 40-60 % and benzaldehyde selectivity of 90 %.