In this study, toluene, a hazardous organic compound is being converted to benzaldehyde, which has wide applications in food and dye industries. In order to achieve better conversion efficiency, Cr… Click to show full abstract
In this study, toluene, a hazardous organic compound is being converted to benzaldehyde, which has wide applications in food and dye industries. In order to achieve better conversion efficiency, Cr incorporated MCM-41 systems were used. The incorporated systems were synthesized via in situ and wet impregnation methods. The obtained samples have been characterized by Fourier Transform Infra-red, Small angle X-ray Diffraction, Wide angle X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and UV–Vis Spectroscopy. FTIR spectroscopy showed the bond characteristics in the prepared nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and UV–Visible spectra showed the presence of Cr in MCM-41 framework. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) confirmed the conversion of toluene to benzaldehyde. Pore volume and average pore diameter (BET-BJH analysis) was estimated using Surface Area Analyzer. 97.19% conversion of toluene to benzaldehyde was achieved in 18 h using Cr-MCM-41 synthesized via in situ method having Cr/Si ratio as 0.033 as compared to Chromium oxide nanoparticles which took 36 h for 85.2% conversion. The Cr-MCM-41 prepared by wet impregnation method also showed 95% toulene to benzaldehyde conversion, but the time taken by reaction was 36 h.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.