Boosting Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols via Synergistic Effect between TEMPO and a Composite FeO/Cu-BDC/GO Nanocatalyst.

Fabrication of a nanocomposite catalyst via a novel and efficient strategy remains a challenge; FeO nanoparticles anchored on graphene oxide (GO) sheet-supported metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In this study, the physicochemical properties of the ensuing FeO/Cu-BDC/GO are investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectrum, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray detector, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The salient features of the nanocomposite such as Cu-MOF, synergistic effect with GO sheets, and magnetic separation characteristics make it an excellent ternary heterostructure for aerobic oxidation of alcohols. The proposed nanocatalyst and co-catalyst 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine--oxyl substantially enhance the catalytic performance for the aerobic oxidation under very mild and sustainable reaction conditions. The heterogeneity of FeO/Cu-BDC/GO composite catalyst is affirmed with the added advantage that the initial activity is well maintained even after seven cycles.