Synergistic effect between Pt-o and Bi2O3-x for efficient room-temperature alcohol oxidation under base-free aqueous conditions

摘要

Novel Pt/Bi2O3-x catalysts synthesized by reduction of Pt/Bi2O3 in an H-2 atmosphere at 300 degrees C were found to be efficient (conversion of 94.1 +/- 2.7%, selectivity to aldehyde > 99%) for benzyl alcohol oxidation to benzaldehyde at room temperature (26 degrees C) under base-free aqueous conditions. The catalytic oxidation is a green-chemistry compatible process with atmospheric O-2 as the oxidant at ambient pressure. The high catalytic activity of Pt/ Bi2O3-x is ascribed to the synergistic effect between Pt-o and nearby partially reduced Bi2O3-x species. Pt-o acts as a site to cleave the alpha-C-H bond of alcohols while Bi2O3-x could facilitate the activation of oxygen.