Green Synthesis Montmorillonite Clay Supported Co3O4 Nanoparticles and Its Catalytic Efficacy Towards Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation

Co3O4 nanoparticles supported on modified montmorillonite clay (Co3O4@Mont) were synthesized by using green natural extract (tulsi leaf) under mild reaction conditions. The modification of montmorillonite clay was executed by refluxing the clay with H3PO4 under controlled condition to generate a porous matrix with high surface area which acts as support for the generation and stabilization of nanoparticles. The Co3O4@Mont nanocomposite was characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Powder X-Ray Diffraction (P-XRD) and N-2-adsorption-desorption analysis. The synthesized nanocomposite showed excellent catalytic efficacy towards the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of various Ketones using H2O2 as oxidant at room temperature. The catalytic B-V oxidation gives the best results in aqueous medium and gives maximum conversion of the product in 1 h. The completion of the reaction in short time (1 h) under mild reaction conditions with green solvent signifies the applicability of the nano-catalyst for the B-V oxidation over other reported catalyst. Also, the catalyst can be recovered easily by simple filtration at the end of the reaction. Further, the recyclability of the used Co3O4@Mont nano-catalyst for the same substrate was performed and its catalytic efficacy is maintained without any significant loss for various catalytic cycles. [GRAPHICS] .