Gallium oxide nanorods: novel, template-free synthesis and high catalytic activity in epoxidation reactions.
Gallium oxide nanorods with unprecedented small dimensions (20-80 nm length and 3-5 nm width) were prepared using a novel, template-free synthesis method. This nanomaterial is an excellent heterogeneous catalyst for the sustainable epoxidation of alkenes with H2 O2 , rivaling the industrial benchmark microporous titanosilicate TS-1 with linear alkenes and being much superior with bulkier substrates. A thorough characterization study elucidated the correlation between the physicochemical properties of the gallium oxide nanorods and their catalytic performance, and underlined the importance of the nanorod morphology for generating a material with high specific surface area and a high number of accessible acid sites.
Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 23, Heverlee, 3001 (Belgium).
Warunee
W
Lueangchaichaweng
Neil R
NR
Brooks
Sonia
S
Fiorilli
Elena
E
Gobechiya
Kaifeng
K
Lin
Li
L
Li
Sonia
S
Parres-Esclapez
Elsa
E
Javon
Sara
S
Bals
Gustaaf
G
Van Tendeloo
Johan A
JA
Martens
Christine E A
CE
Kirschhock
Pierre A
PA
Jacobs
Paolo P
PP
Pescarmona
epoxidation; gallium oxide; heterogeneous catalysis; hydrogen peroxide; nanorods