Open AccessOxidation of Benzyl Alcohol Using Cobalt Oxide Supported Inside and Outside Hollow Carbon Spheres
Author(s) -
Mente Pumza,
Mashindi Victor,
Phaahlamohlaka Tumelo N.,
Monyatsi Thabo N.,
Forbes Roy P.,
Coville Neil J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
chemistryopen
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2191-1363
DOI - 10.1002/open.202000312
Subject(s) - benzyl alcohol , catalysis , cobalt , benzaldehyde , cobalt oxide , selectivity , nanoparticle , oxide , metal , alcohol oxidation , carbon fibers , materials science , chemistry , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry , nanotechnology , composite material , composite number
Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (6 nm) supported both inside and outside of hollow carbon spheres (HCSs) were synthesized by using two different polymer templates. The oxidation of benzyl alcohol was used as a model reaction to evaluate the catalysts. PXRD studies indicated that the Co oxidation state varied for the different catalysts due to reduction of the Co by the carbon, and a metal oxidation step prior to the benzyl alcohol oxidation enhanced the catalytic activity. The metal loading influenced the catalytic efficiency, and the activity decreased with increasing metal loading, possibly due to pore filling effects. The catalysts showed similar activity and selectivity (to benzaldehyde) whether placed inside or outside the HCS (63 % selectivity at 50 % conversion). No poisoning was observed due to product build up in the HCS.