Mixed metal nanoparticles loaded catalytic polymer membrane for solvent free selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde in a reactor

Catalytic polymer membrane (CPM) was prepared by in situ loading of mixed (silver and lead) metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES) matrix. Developed membrane (SPES-Ag-0(35)/Pb-0(65)) was used as a catalyst (oxidant) loaded and separator, in two-compartment catalytic membrane reactor (CMR) for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BnOH) to benzaldehyde (BzH) in ambient conditions without regeneration of catalysts, separation steps and waste generation. CPM acts as barrier and contactor between organic and aqueous phase, which was characterized by FTIR, XRD EDX, SEM, and physicochemical properties. Reported SPES-Ag-0(35)/Pb-0(65) showed good solvent, chemical and thermal stabilities in compare with fluorinated membrane and assessed to be more suitable for CMR. Effects of various reaction parameters such as substituted BnOH, concentration, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) load etc. were investigated. High performance, low cost and stability of reported SPES-Ag-0(35)/Pb-0(65) suggested its commercial viability for chemical transformations in CMR. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.