Preparation of ruthenium-containing sheet composites using a papermaking technique for selective oxidation of alcohol

Ruthenium (Ru) catalyst was introduced onto a glass fiber surface by ion-exchange, the treated fibers were made into Ru-containing sheet composites (referred to in this paper as Ru sheets) using a papermaking technique. Ru was easily introduced by mixing RuCl 3 aqueous solution into a glass fiber suspension and became strongly attached and immobilized on the fiber surface. Ru sheet is easy to handle and is strong enough to use for chemical reactions in organic solvents. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic adsorption analyses revealed that the Ru attachment was not simple adsorption but due to an ion-exchange mechanism. Pieces of Ru sheet were used to catalyze selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to produce acetaldehyde and demonstrated a higher performance than commercial Ru-containing catalyst powders. The porous sheet structure seemed to improve the effective transport of benzyl alcohol to inside of the sheet, resulting in enhanced catalytic performance. Thus Ru sheet demonstrates both practical convenience and a high level of catalytic activity when compared with currently available alternative materials.