Bio-gel template synthesis of CoFe2O4 nano-catalysts and application in aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane. (27th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Xiaoling; Wang, Xueqiu; Liu, Qingqing; Zhou, Jian; Zhang, Peiping; Zheng, Shudong; Miao, Shiding
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 42:Number 30(2017)
• Page Start: 19001
• Page End: 19009
• Publication Date: 2017-07-27
• Subjects: CoFe2O4 Nano-catalysts -- Lotus root powders -- Bio-gel template -- Aerobic oxidation; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.05.072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Magnetic cobalt ferrite (CoFe2 O4 ) particles were synthesized via a solvothermal pathway by using the gel of natural lotus roots as bio-gel template. Samples with porous structure and of large specific area (∼95.6 m 2 /g) were prepared, which were assembled by CoFe2 O4 particles of uniform sizes ( ca. 15.0 nm). The annealed CoFe2 O4 nanoparticles were proven to be highly efficient catalysts for aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane. Factors such as oxygen pressure, temperature, reaction time and self-catalysis by adding cyclohexanone have been studied in view of improving the conversion of cyclohexane as well as the selectivity of KA oil (cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol). Optimum parameters were found at an initial O2 pressure of 1.6 MPa when the reaction was conducted for 6.0 h at the temperature of 150 °C. The maximum conversion of cyclohexane oxidation reaches 16.43%, and the selectivity 90.3% for KA oil was obtained. This research provides a facile way of developing green catalysts in the aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane. Graphical abstract: A bio-template synthetic strategy was proposed to prepare porous CoFe2 O4 nano-catalyst with the aid of supercritical CO2 drying. The catalyst show good performance towards the aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane in a solvent-free system. Highlights: A bio-gel template natural lotus roots was used to synthesize CoFe2 O4 nano-catalysts. Samples with porous structure and of large specific area (∼95.6 m 2 /g) were obtained. The annealed CoFe2 O4 were proven to be highly efficient in catalyzing aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane. Optimum parameters were found as O2 pressure 1.6 MPa, reaction time 6.0 h and temperature 150 °C. Self-catalysis of cyclohexanone was discovered which makes the strategy more positive in applications.