Synthesis of tailored alumina supported Cu-based solids obtained from nanocomposites: Catalytic application for valuable aldehyde and ketones production

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics 2022-12, Vol.292, p.126800, Article 126800
• Main Authors: do Carmo, José Vitor C., Bezerra, Rita de Cássia F., Tehuacanero-Cuapa, Samuel, Rodríguez-Aguado, E., Lang, Rossano, Campos, Adriana F., Duarte, Gian, Saraiva, Gilberto D., Otubo, Larissa, Oliveira, Alcineia C., Rodríguez-Castellón, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cu-based nanomaterials; CuZnAl@C; Nanocomposites; Oxidation; Porous alumina
• ISSN: 0254-0584; 1879-3312
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2022.126800

A tailored nanostructured CuO–ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst was obtained from nanocomposites via sonochemical route through core/shell assisted by reverse micelle synthesis. The as-synthesized nanocomposites consisted of Cu, Zn and Al domains coated by a lauric acid shell structure with controlled physicochemical properties. Combining these features, a porous CuO–ZnO/Al2O3 supported catalyst was obtained from CuZnAl@C nanocomposite, in which Cu and Zn oxide nanoparticles interacted quite strongly with alumina. In this study, a nanostructured CuO–ZnO/Al2O3 was applied to oxidize ethylbenzene in the presence of H2O2. Catalytic results further demonstrated that the nanostructured solid had ethylbenzene conversion superior to 20% and good selectivities to acetophenone, benzaldehyde and benzoic acid compared to a benchmark CuZnAl catalyst obtained by the sol-gel method. [Display omitted] •Tailored CuO–ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst obtained from CuZnAl@C nanocomposite.•Simple sonochemical route via core/shell assisted by reverse micelle synthesis.•Nuclei composed of Cu and Zn domains coated by a semi-crystalline lauric acid-based shell.•Highly dispersed CuO and ZnO on alumina converting ehtylbenzene.