Fe-carbon nanoreactors obtained from molasses as efficient catalysts for limonene oxidation

Abstract

Fe-carbon nanoreactors were prepared by the impregnation of carbon cages with iron nitrate. Carbon cages were obtained using molasses as a carbon precursor and silica spheres as a template. The porous structure of the carbon cages allows for uniform dispersion of Fe. Fe concentration was equal to 0.68, 1.32, and 2.64 wt% as Fe3O4. Obtained materials were characterized by nitrogen adsorption at 77 K, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) method. Fe-carbon nanoreactors were very active in limonene oxidation. Fe-carbon nanoreactors were used as a catalyst in limonene oxidation by t-butyl hydroperoxide.