Weichen Du

A sandwich N-doped graphene/Co3O4 hybrid: an efficient catalyst for selective oxidation of olefins and alcohols

A sandwich-like N-doped graphene/Co3O4 hybrid was prepared via a simple one-pot hydrothermal reaction in a solution of NH3. Characterizations disclosed that highly dispersed Co3O4 nanoparticles with dominant exposed {112} and {110} planes were fabricated on both sides of well-exfoliated N-doped graphene; N-dopants in the graphene matrix can prevent re-graphitization of graphene, strengthen the interaction between Co3O4 and the graphene matrix, and improve the dispersion of Co3O4. This hybrid (Co3O4/RGO-N) exhibited superior activity and stability for the epoxidation of styrene compared to bulk Co3O4 and N-free graphene supported Co3O4. At the same time, the resulting catalyst also showed high compatibility with various olefins and alcohols with good conversion and high selectivity. This synergistic strategy can provide simple, efficient and versatile blue-prints for low-cost fabrication of graphene-based nanocomposites for extending applications where graphene has rarely been exploited and beyond.

SnO2-isolated Pt3Sn alloy on reduced graphene oxide: an efficient catalyst for selective hydrogenation of CO in unsaturated aldehydes

In this communication, a pyramid shaped alloy-metal oxide–graphene hybrid was synthesized by a facile procedure, in which SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) (4.8–5.8 nm) were first coated onto the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and then very fine Pt3Sn NPs (0.6–1.2 nm) were fabricated on the SnO2 NPs on rGO sheets under microwave irradiation in a few minutes. Characterizations disclosed that the SnO2 NPs on rGO were more favorable for the dispersion of Pt, and Pt3Sn formed mainly on the surface of SnO2 NPs. This pyramid shaped Pt3Sn/SnO2/rGO hybrid was highly active, selective and stable for the hydrogenation of the CO bond in unsaturated aldehydes to unsaturated alcohols under mild conditions.

A thermally stable and easily recycled core–shell Fe2O3@CuMgAl catalyst for hydrogenolysis of glycerol

Core–shell structured magnetic Fe2O3@CuMgAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) catalysts were synthesized in a facile route and used in selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol. Characterization disclosed that the thermal stability of the LDH framework, the dispersion of Cu and its activity were enhanced simultaneously in the presence of Fe2O3.