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Updated: Jan 4, 2026
High-throughput Synthesis of Carbohydrates and Functionalization of Polyanhydride Nanoparticles
Published on: July 6, 2012
MoO Nanoparticle Catalysts for d-Glucose Epimerization and Their Electrical Immobilization in a Continuous Flow
Yexin Zhang1,2, Hui Chen1,2, Yijing Gao3
1Key Laboratory of Bio-based Polymeric Materials Technology and Application of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering , Chinese Academy of Sciences , 1219 Zhongguan West Road , Ningbo 315201 , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China.
This study presents highly active molybdenum oxide (MoO) nanoparticle catalysts for converting d-glucose to d-mannose. These catalysts are electrically immobilized in a flow reactor, maintaining excellent activity for extended periods.
Area of Science:
- Heterogeneous catalysis
- Nanomaterials
- Green chemistry
Background:
- Catalyst activity and immobilization are typically opposing properties in liquid-phase reactions.
- Developing efficient and stable catalysts for carbohydrate transformations is crucial.
- Molybdenum oxide nanoparticles (MoO NPs) show promise as catalysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize highly active MoO NPs for d-glucose epimerization.
- To develop a method for electrically immobilizing MoO NPs in a flow reactor.
- To evaluate the catalytic performance and stability of immobilized MoO NPs.
Main Methods:
- Green one-pot synthesis of MoO NPs via oxidation of metal Mo with hydrogen peroxide.
- Characterization of MoO NPs using ex situ and in situ techniques, including theoretical calculations.
- Assembly of a flow reactor with electrically immobilized MoO NPs in an activated carbon bed.
Main Results:
- Synthesized MoO NPs (3.05 nm) exhibited superior activity for d-glucose epimerization compared to existing catalysts and enzymes.
- A strong interaction between MoO NPs and the reactant was confirmed, enhancing catalytic performance.
- Electrically immobilized MoO NPs in a flow reactor maintained high activity for 16 days with minimal catalyst loss (<3.2%).
Conclusions:
- MoO NPs are highly effective catalysts for d-glucose epimerization.
- Electrical immobilization provides a novel and efficient method for catalyst retention in flow systems.
- This approach overcomes the challenge of coexisting activity and immobilization in liquid-phase catalysis.
