HKUST-1 Supported on Zirconium Phosphate as an Efficient Catalyst for Solvent Free Oxidation of Cyclohexene: DFT Study

Abstract

Layer by layer metal-organic framework (MOF) supported on zirconium phosphate (ZrP) was synthesized at very mild conditions and used for the liquid phase oxidation of cyclohexene in solvent free condition in the presence of molecular oxygen. The MOF-ZrP was characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyzer. The characterization shows a smooth morphology of MOF-ZrP with good stability under 200 °C having surface area 285 m2/g. The catalytic activity of the MOF-ZrP revealed that increase of layers of MOF on ZrP enhances conversion, as well as selectivity of oxidation of cyclohexene. DFT studies were used to explore the structure and electron properties of HKUST-1 (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), which is a clue for the catalytic behavior of the catalyst.