One-step and template-free fabrication of hollow carbon-modified Fe3O4 for catalyzing solvent-free aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol

A hollow carbon-modified Fe 3 O 4 (H-C-Fe 3 O 4 ) has been fabricated by a one-step and template-free solvothermal method with ethanol as the solvent. The catalytic activity of H-C-Fe 3 O 4 (ethanol) is investigated for solvent-free aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde with O 2 . It is found that H-C-Fe 3 O 4 (ethanol) offer a superior benzaldehyde yield and selectivity. The good catalytic performance of H-C-Fe 3 O 4 (ethanol) benefits from the rich interfaces between the carbon and Fe 3 O 4 , plus the interspace voids introduced by its hollow structure. Besides, the target H-C-Fe 3 O 4 (ethanol) can be facilely recycled with a magnet and exhibits good potential for catalyst reuse.