Fe–Zr–Cu Mixed-metal oxide nanocatalyst for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohols: Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance

Haghi, Hoda; Sedrpoushan, Alireza

doi:10.22104/jpst.2026.8484.1300

Fe–Zr–Cu Mixed-metal oxide nanocatalyst for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohols: Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Hoda Haghi

Alireza Sedrpoushan

Department of Chemical Technologies, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran

10.22104/jpst.2026.8484.1300

Abstract

A mixed nano-metal oxide of Fe–Zr–Cu was synthesized using a hydrothermal technique. The chemical structure and nature of the catalyst were characterized using XRD, SEM, EDS, and elemental mapping. SEM images revealed a sample with a cauliflower-like shape. The resultant heterogeneous catalyst was used to selectively oxidize different alcohols to corresponding aldehydes under mild conditions with acetonitrile as a solvent and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent. The influence of reaction temperature and the ratio of molar alcohols to oxidant were examined according to the material/product ratio. Conversion efficiencies ranging from 65 to 80 % were achieved under optimal conditions in the presence of benzyl alcohol. The results are very promising and demonstrate the potential application of the heterogeneous catalyst for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohols.

Graphical Abstract

Fe–Zr–Cu Mixed-metal oxide nanocatalyst for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohols: Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance

Highlights

Nanostructured mixed Fe–Zr–Cu oxide prepared by an easy hydrothermal method.
Fe–Zr–Cu oxide showed high selective catalytic activity for alcohol oxidation reactions.
Easily filter and separate the heterogeneous catalyst from the reaction medium in order to reuse it for additional reactions with very low deactivation.
Fe–Zr–Cu mixed oxide nanostructures provided improved dispersion of active species, enhanced accessibility of active sites, facilitated mass transfer, and high structural stability.

Keywords

Mixed nano-metal oxides

Heterogeneous catalyst

Oxidation

Benzyl alcohol

Subjects

Catalyst

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