Phase-reversal emulsion catalysis with CNT-TiO2 nanohybrids for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Abstract

Mix it up: Carbon nanotube (CNT)-TiO2 nanohybrids with the potential to control the phase of an emulsion were successfully developed with a simple yet efficient method. When ruthenium was deposited on these CNT-TiO2 nanohybrid supports, they demonstrated catalytic potential for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. The relationship between the emulsion properties and the catalytic mechanism is also discussed.

Keywords: carbon nanotube; catalysis; emulsion; oxidation; phase reversal.