Ag?CeO2 nanoparticles with “rice ball” configuration as an efficient and heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfones with 30% H2O2

Article abstract of DOI:10.1007/s00706-020-02668-5

Abstract: Ag?CeO₂ with a rice-ball configuration as a heterogeneous and highly efficient catalyst was described for activation of H₂O₂ in the selective oxidation of aromatic and aliphatic sulfides to their corresponding sulfones. Ag nanoparticles in the CeO₂–Ag interface increase the oxygen vacancy defects on the surface of CeO₂ and oxygen vacancy defects promote the reduction of Ce⁴⁺ to Ce³⁺ to keep the electroneutrality. Generated Ce³⁺ species act as the active sites in the interface of CeO₂–Ag to promote the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones. Compatibility with various aromatic and aliphatic sulfides, excellent selectivity, high yield of product, simple experimental procedure, and mild reaction conditions are some of the precious advantages of Ag?CeO₂/H₂O₂ catalyst system. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]