Nanometer-size Co-ZIF (zeolitic imidazolate frameworks) catalyst was prepared for selective oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde under mild conditions. The typical characteristics of the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) material were affirmed by the XRD, SEM, and TEM, the BET surface area of this catalyst was as high as 924.25 m2/g, and the diameter of particles was near 200 nm from TEM results. The Co metal was coated with 2-methyl glyoxaline, and the crystalline planes were relatively stable. The reaction temperatures, oxygen pressure, mass amount of N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI), and reaction time were discussed. The Co-ZIF catalyst gave the best result of 92.30% toluene conversion and 91.31% selectivity to benzaldehyde under 0.12 MPa and 313 K. The addition of a certain amount of NHPI and the smooth oxidate capacity of the catalyst were important factors in the high yield of benzaldehyde. This nanometer-size catalyst showed superior performance for recycling use in the oxidation of toluene. Finally, a possible reaction mechanism was proposed. This new nanometer-size Co-ZIF catalyst will be applied well in the selective oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde.
Keywords: MOFs material; benzaldehyde; nanometer-size catalyst; selective oxidation.