Modified Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Containing Firmly Interacted Venturello Anion: An Efficient Catalyst for Olefin Epoxidation

Selective epoxidation of olefins for industrial applications requires heterogeneous catalysts with robust structure and higher reusability performance. The choice of solid support and catalytically active species plays an important role in improving the reaction efficiency. Herein, aminopropyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NH2-MWCNTs) were used as suitable modified solid nanomaterial to immobilize efficient epoxidation active catalyst like Venturello anion i.e. {PO4[W(O)(O2)2]4}3-, via strong electrostatic interaction. The appropriate physicochemical techniques confirmed successful immobilization of Venturello anion and synthesis of desired heterogeneous catalyst. Superior catalytic activity was achieved in the epoxidation of some olefins (e.g. > 99 % for cyclooctene and >86% for cyclohexene) in the presence of prepared heterogeneous catalyst with utilizing H2O2 as green and benign oxidant. Comparison with other similar works revealed the higher catalytic activity of prepared heterogeneous catalyst. Moreover, the stability and reusability of catalyst were examined in four catalytic cycles which approves its stability without loss of its activity.