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Published on: August 17, 2019
Supported Cu(II) polymer catalysts for aqueous phenol oxidation
Isabel U Castro1, Frank Stüber, Azael Fabregat
1Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain.
Supported copper(II) polymer catalysts effectively oxidize phenol using air and hydrogen peroxide. Cu-PVP(25) demonstrated excellent stability with minimal copper leaching and comparable activity to commercial catalysts.
Area of Science:
- Catalysis
- Polymer Science
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Homogeneous copper(II) catalysts are effective for phenol oxidation but suffer from leaching.
- Heterogenization of catalysts aims to improve separation and reusability while maintaining activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop supported copper(II) polymer catalysts for efficient phenol oxidation.
- To evaluate catalyst activity, stability, and copper leaching.
- To compare the performance of different supported catalysts.
Main Methods:
- Adsorption of copper(II) salts onto poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PVP) and Chitosan.
- Catalytic oxidation of phenol using air and H(2)O(2) at 30°C and atmospheric pressure.
- Quantification of leached copper(II) ions to assess catalyst deactivation.
Main Results:
- Cu-PVP(25) exhibited the lowest copper leaching (<5 mg L⁻¹).
- Cu-PVP(25) achieved 56% phenol conversion, comparable to commercial catalysts (59%).
- Cu-PVP(25) showed superior performance with 86% activity in the heterogeneous phase.
Conclusions:
- Supported Cu(II) polymer catalysts offer a promising alternative for phenol oxidation.
- Cu-PVP(25) provides an optimal balance between catalytic activity and low copper leaching.
- Heterogenization effectively preserves the catalytic activity of copper(II) ions.
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