Molybdenum (VI)-functionalized UiO-66 provides an efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst in oxidation reactions

A novel heterogeneous nanocatalyst was established by supporting molybdenum (VI) on Zr-6 nodes in the structure of the well-known UiO-66 metal-organic framework (MOF). The structure of the UiO-66 before and after Mo (VI) immobilization was confirmed with XRD, DR-FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopy, and the presence and amount of Mo (VI) was identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. TEM imaging confirmed the absence of Mo clusters on the MOF surface, while SEM confirmed that the appearance of the MOF has not changed upon immobilizing the Mo (VI) catalyst. BET adsorption measurements were used to confirm the porosity of the catalyst. The catalytic activity of this heterogeneous catalyst was investigated in oxidation of sulfides with H2O2 in acetonitrile and oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene. Easy work up, convenient and steady reuse and high activity and selectivity are prominent properties of this new hybrid material.