Halloysite clay nanotubes with Fe-Al deposits for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol

The synthesis of a facile and efficient catalyst using Fe/Al supported on halloysite clay nanotubes (Fe-Al/HNT) for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol is reported here. The prepared catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The applicability of the prepared catalyst was studied for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BA) to benzaldehyde (BzA). The reaction conditions were optimized for high catalytic activity, stability and selectivity. The prepared catalyst showed good activity and stability for the solvent-free oxidation of benzyl alcohol. The catalyst was recycled for 5 times without losing its catalytic activity. Fe-Al/HNT catalysts are prepared and their application in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde at a temperature of 80 °C is investigated.