Zeolite-Y encapsulated nanohybrid materials: synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and catalytic significance

Abstract

The goal of this study is to synthesize zeolite-Y encapsulated nanohybrid materials (ZENMs) of the general formulae [M(VTCH)₂]-Y or [M(VFCH)₂]-Y (where M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II); VTCH = vanillin thiophene-2-carboxylic hydrazone; VFCH = vanillin furoic-2-carboxylic hydrazone) and describe their selective catalytic activities. ZENMs are characterized by various physico-chemical techniques, namely ICP-OES, elemental analysis, (FT-IR and electronic) spectral studies, SEMs, X-ray diffraction patterns as well as surface area measurements. The catalytic activities of ZENMs were found to be highly advantageous in yielding significant amounts of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol in the liquid-phase oxidation of cyclohexane.

Keywords:

• Zeolite-Y
• Encapsulated nanohybrid materials
• Oxidation of cyclohexane

Acknowledgments

We express our gratitude to the Head, Department of Chemistry, Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar, India for providing the necessary laboratory facilities. Mr Parthiv M. Trivedi would like to acknowledge UGC, Delhi for providing meritorious fellowship. An analytical facility provided by the CSMCRI and Department of Physics, Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar, India is gratefully acknowledged.