A Novel Pd-P Nano-Alloy Supported on Functionalized Silica for Catalytic Aerobic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol

Catalytic aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BnOH) to benzaldehyde (PhCHO) over supported noble metal catalysts has grabbed the attention researchers due critical role PhCHO in numerous industrial syntheses. In present study, a novel catalyst, Pd-P alloy on aminopropyl-functionalized mesoporous silica (NH2-SiO2), was prepared through situ reduction and characterized by BET-BJH analysis, SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, TG-DTA, XPS. Chemical properties catalytic performance Pd-P/NH2-SiO2 were compared with those Pd° nanoparticles (NPs) deposited same support. Over Pd-P/NH2-SiO2, BnOH conversion much higher than Pd°/NH2-SiO2, significantly influenced nature solvent, reaching 57% toluene at 111 °C, 63% selectivity. Using pure oxygen as an oxidant conditions, increased up 78%, 66% The phosphorous improving activity may consist strong interaction Pd that favours dispersion lowers electron density.