Design of Nano CuO Modified Ordered Mesoporous Carbon for Single Step Oxidation of Benzene

Abstract

The paper reports the synthesis, surface and textural characterization of the CuO modified ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) materials and their catalytic activity towards the single step oxidation of benzene. The parent and the modified OMCs are synthesized by a combined process of condensation polymerization and co-condensation method of loading of the metal precursor. From XRD studies it was confirmed that the metals are incorporated in the framework of OMC. SEM studies showed the formation of uniform spherical particles over the support surface. The catalytic activity of the samples was evaluated towards single step oxidation of benzene at room temperature. Sample containing 4 wt% CuO/OMC showed highest benzene (29%) conversion with 98% selectivity to phenol. The effect of various reaction parameters such as time, solvent and temperature has been investigated to optimize the reaction conditions. CuO particles embedded on the carbon walls formed an intimate contact with the carbon support. This interaction might have created certain e-deficient centers which facilitates the high catalytic activity of CuO/OMC.