Selective oxidation of styrene over graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) supported nano Co3O4 particles catalyst and the mechanism investigation

Aromatic aldehydes and epoxides, synthesized through catalytic oxidation of olefins, are important intermediates in pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and resins. However, efficient and selective oxidation of olefins remains a significant challenge. In this work, a Co₃O₄ nanoparticle-loaded graphitic carbon nitride (C₃N₄) catalyst was developed for the selective oxidation of styrene using tert‑butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant. The Co-C₃N₄–15 catalyst achieved a styrene conversion of 94.6 % and product selectivity of 96.4 %. DFT calculations indicated that the activation energy for styrene oxide formation was significantly lower compared to benzaldehyde, which explained the higher selectivity for styrene oxide. This work demonstrates the potential of combining non-precious metal catalysts and green oxidants for sustainable chemical processes, offering a pathway to reduce reliance on high-energy industrial methods.