Influence of nanoparticles oxidation state in gold based catalysts on the product selectivity in liquid phase oxidation of cyclohexene

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.molcata.2013.03.008

Supported gold catalysts Au/TiO₂ and Au/ZrO₂ were prepared and used for oxidation of cyclohexene with TBHP. These catalysts were characterized by ICP, TEM and diffuse-reflectance UV-vis. The catalytic tests were carried out in liquid phase, at 80 C and at atmospheric pressure. The effects of support and thermal treatment (oxidation state of Au nanoparticles) on catalytic performance were studied. Gold in the catalysts that have been dried is deposited as Au^δ+. These catalysts have a high selectivity towards alkene oxides, 81% of 2-cyclohexene-1-ol for Au/TiO ₂ and 85% of 2-cyclohexene-1-one for Au/ZrO₂.