Effects of Cl− on Cu2O nanocubes for direct epoxidation of propylene by molecular oxygen

Abstract

Promoters have been widely used in industrial catalysis but understanding the mechanism behind their function is still a challenging subject. As ideal model catalysts, nanocrystal catalysts with well−defined exposing facets and relatively large specific surface have attracted intense attention. We explored the effect of Cl− loading on Cu2O nanocubes enclosed by (100) facets for the direct epoxidation of propylene by molecular oxygen. Interestingly, a volcano−type curve was obtained when the selectivity and conversion are plotted as a function of the loading amount of Cl−, indicating that optimal surface O/Cl− ratio is critical for desirable catalytic performance.