One-step highly selective catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane to KA-oil over functional CeMn0.5Co0.5Ox composite oxide: Synergistic effects between Mn and Co species with different valences and metal ion ratios

Abstract

Presently, one-step highly selective oxidation of cyclohexane to KA-oil, which is a crucial organic chemical intermediate for the production of ε-caprolactam and adipic acid, is still a tremendous challenge. In this work, the functional CeMn0.5Co0.5Ox composite oxide catalysts were successfully prepared by glycine-nitrate combustion method. The results showed that 93.0% of selectivity to KA-oil with 4.6% of cyclohexane conversion was achieved over CeMn0.5Co0.5Ox under the optimal reaction conditions. The experimental and characterization results showed that the excellent catalytic performance of CeMn0.5Co0.5Ox is attributed to the synergistic effects between Mn and Co species with different valences and metal ion ratios, which efficiently promote the directional decomposition or reduction of cyclohexyl hydroperoxide (CHHP) intermediate to KA-oil. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirmed the synergistic catalysis of CeMn0.5Co0.5Ox in the selective oxidation. This work affords the new insights into the design of efficient catalyst for the selective oxidation of alkanes.