Heterogenization of functionalized Cu(II) and VO(IV) Schiff base complexes by direct immobilization onto amino-modified SBA-15: Styrene oxidation catalysts with enhanced reactivity Original Research Article

Two functionalized copper(II) and oxovanadium(IV) Schiff base complexes of type [M(N2O2), M = Cu, VO] bearing chloromethyl groups were respectively synthesized, directly anchored onto amino-modified SBA-15 materials and examined as catalysts for styrene oxidation. The purity of each ligand was confirmed by 1H NMR, FT-IR and elemental analysis. XRD, N2 adsorption/desorption and TEM results indicated that the mesoporous structure of SBA-15 remained intact throughout the grafting procedure. FT-IR, UV–vis spectroscopy plus TG–DTA data demonstrated the incorporation of copper(II) and oxovanadium(IV) complexes on amino-modified SBA-15. ICP-AES, SEM-EDX combined with XPS data further showed the different anchorage status of copper(II) and oxovanadium(IV) species on amino-modified SBA-15. The copper(II) Schiff base complex was anchored through the coordination of copper atom with the nitrogen atom of the amino group modified on the SBA-15 external surface. The oxovanadium(IV) Schiff base complex, however, was covalently anchored on SBA-15 via the condensation reaction of the chloromethyl group of the Schiff base with the amino group from the modified SBA-15 matrix. The catalytic properties of supported copper(II) and oxovanadium(IV) complexes in the oxidation of styrene with air or H2O2 as oxidant were investigated and compared with the properties of their homogeneous analogues. It was found that both heterogeneous copper(II) and oxovanadium(IV) catalysts were more active than their homogeneous analogues and that the product selectivity varied in cases of different oxidants. The supported oxovanadium(IV) complex showed high yield of styrene oxide (56.0%) and good recoverability when using air as oxidant.