Phosphotungstate-based ionic silica nanoparticles network for alkenes epoxidation

Abstract

An inorganic-organic porous silica network catalyst was prepared by linking silica nanoparticles using ionic liquid and followed by anion-exchange with phosphotungstate. Characterization methods of FT-IR, TG, SEM, TEM, BET, etc., were carried out to have a comprehensive insight into the catalyst. The catalyst was used for catalyzing cyclooctene epoxidation with high surface area, high catalytic activity, and convenient recovery. The conversion and selectivity of epoxy-cyclooctene could both reach over 99% at 70 °C for 8 h using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an oxidant, and acetonitrile as a solvent when the catalyst was 10 wt. % of cyclooctene.