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

An aminopropyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NH2-MWCNTs) was used as a 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. FT-IR spectroscopy, CHN analysis, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption technique, and transmittance electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the 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. Moreover, the high stability and reusability of catalyst was examined in 4th catalytic cycles which approves its stability without loss of its activity.