Correlation of thermal conductivity with the catalytic activity of nanoparticles: the oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Different nanoparticles like cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄), iron oxide (Fe₃O₄), manganese ferrite (MnFe₂O₄), gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃), cerium oxide (CeO₂), iron-cobalt (FeCo) and iron-cerium (FeCe) were prepared and tested for their catalytic activity in the liquid phase oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BzOH) to benzaldehyde (BzH) in a self-designed Pyrex glass Gas Blowing Rotating Reactor (GBR reactor). Textural properties such as size and shape of catalysts were studied through available characterization techniques for better understanding of their catalytic activity. The oxidation of BzOH was carried out in different solvents such as water, toluene, benzene and heptane to unveil the effect of thermal conductivity of solvent on the catalytic activity of nanoparticles. The reaction was also carried out in solvent-free conditions in the presence of O₂. The efficiency of each catalyst was measured in term of productivity (mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹) instead of conventional units. The productivity values in comparison to available reports revealed that these catalysts will be prospective alternative to conventional industrial catalysts.