Atomically dispersed cobalt on graphitic carbon nitride as a robust catalyst for selective oxidation of ethylbenzene by peroxymonosulfate

Jiaquan Li, Shiyong Zhao, Shi Ze Yang, Shaobin Wang, Hongqi Sun, San Ping Jiang, Bernt Johannessen, Shaomin Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

57 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The development of a highly efficient strategy for the activation of the C-H bond in hydrocarbons is one of the most challenging tasks facing the chemical industries. The synthesis of novel catalysts with atomically dispersed active centers is highly desirable to achieve the maximized atom efficiency. Here we report the controllable preparation of a Co-based single-atom catalyst anchored on a graphitic carbon nitride support (SACo@g-C3N4) with 3.17 wt% Co content, which is successfully applied for the selective oxidation of ethylbenzene (EB) to derive acetophenone (AcPO)viathe activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) oxidant. The Co atoms are chemically bonded with the N atoms of g-C3N4and present exceptional stability and reusability to resist the applied acidic-oxidative environment. Both the EB conversion and AcPO selectivity were over 95% in this highly selective SACo@g-C3N4/PMS system under mild reaction conditions. The selective conversion of EB into AcPO is attributed to the oxidative radicals generated from the decomposition of PMS moleculesviathe electron transfer between Co atoms and PMS. Sulfate radicals (SO4˙) make a greater contribution than others to activate the C-H bond in EB oxidation. This work uncovers a facile and scalable approach for the synthesis of a robust Co-based single atom catalyst (SAC) on a g-C3N4support and unveils its potential in the oxidation of hydrocarbonsviaa highly efficient and environmentally benign PMS activation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3029-3035
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A
Volume9
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Feb 2021
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Atomically dispersed cobalt on graphitic carbon nitride as a robust catalyst for selective oxidation of ethylbenzene by peroxymonosulfate'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this