Synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance in cyclohexane transformation by Bi₂O₃/MCM-41 nanocomposite materials

ABSTRACT

The nanoparticles of Bi₂O₃ supported on mesoporous MCM-41 were prepared in a simple way and were well characterized. The oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone under 1 atmospheric pressure of air in the absence of any solvent and reducing agents with Bi₂O₃/MCM-41 nanocomposites were considered. These nanoparticles of Bi₂O₃ supported on mesoporous MCM-41 were found to be the very effective catalysts for cyclohexane oxidation with air in a temperature range of 280–370 ˚C. The influences of reaction temperature, the loading amount of Bi₂O₃ and space velocity on the oxidation of cyclohexane were also studied, and optimized conditions were investigated.

KEYWORDS:

• Oxidation
• Cyclohexane
• Bi₂O₃/MCM-41
• Cyclohexanol
• Cyclohexanone

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the Research Council of Shahrood and Kazerun branch, Islamic Azad University for financial assistance.