Preparation of Bimetallic CuZn@mSiO2 Yolk‐Shell Catalyst for the Selective Oxidation of Cumene to Acetophenone

Bimetallic catalysts have exhibited huge catalytic potential in the oxy-functionalization of alkanes. Here, we provide a valid strategy for encapsulating copper and zinc metal oxide nanoparticles by mesoporous SiO2. The prepared CuZn@mSiO(2) catalyst are yolk-shell nanospheres with a diameter of 600 nm and a large specific surface area around 1000 m(2) g(-1). Bimetallic synergy between Cu and Zn was further analyzed by XRD, XPS and H-2-TPR. The selective oxidation of cumene to acetophenone was used as a probe reaction to evaluate the activity of bimetallic yolk-shell catalysts, and the results showed excellent catalytic performance that promoted cumene to acetophenone transformation under mild conditions (80 degrees C, 5 h, H2O2 as oxidant). Also, the recycling tests verified the robust stability and reusability for the catalyst. Finally, a reasonable reaction mechanism was proposed to better understand the oxidation pathway of cumene.