Catalytic performance of a copper coordination polymer in the oxidation of styrene: Insights into immobilization and thermal transformation

Abstract

A metal–organic polymer based on Cu (II) (catalyst 1) was successfully synthesized. The molecular structure of catalyst 1 was analyzed using several methods. Subsequently, catalyst 1 was immobilized onto mesoporous Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ particles, resulting in a new catalyst 2. Heating catalyst 1 to 800 °C led to the formation of CuO particles (catalyst 3). The synthesized catalysts were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques, including elemental analysis (CHN), FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), X-ray powder Diffraction (XRD), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Catalysts 1 to 3 were employed in the oxidation of styrene, utilizing 30 % hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as the oxidizing agent. The styrene conversion followed the order: 2 > 3 > 1. The catalytic efficiency was influenced by solvent type, temperature, catalyst amount, and oxidant. We optimized these conditions to enhance the performance of the best catalyst. Recyclability test for catalyst 2 showed stability, indicating that 2 remained intact throughout seven successive cycles. The advantageous properties of catalyst 2, including its non-toxic nature, ease of separation, high efficiency, and recyclability, underscore its potential as a promising catalytic material.