Sonocatalytic epoxidation of alkenes by vanadium-containing polyphosphomolybdate immobilized on multi-wall carbon nanotubes.

A Keggin type polyoxometalate (POM) has been immobilized in the unique network structure of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The vanadium-containing polyphosphomolybdate (PVMo) supported on CNTs, which was prepared by a one-step solid-state reaction, was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM and elemental analyses. These uniform nanoparticles have an average size 20-30nm. Furthermore, due to the chemical interaction between PVMo and carboxylic acid groups, PVMo nanoparticles were successfully immobilized on the CNTs. Moreover, the obtained composite was found as an efficient catalyst for oxidation of hydrocarbons under reflux and ultrasonic irradiation (US) conditions.