Fabrication of Amphiphilic Graphene Oxide—Polyoxometalate with Temperature Response for Epoxidation of Olefin in Water

Abstract

Here, amphiphilic graphene oxide–polyoxometalate (GO-POM) was fabricated using a new strategy involving control of the stacking of GO lamellae through phosphoric acid and exfoliation by H2O2. The additions of H3PO4 and H2O2 were essential for the formation of the catalytic center of peroxo-POMs. The GO-POM hybrid had one side with hydrophilic properties and another side with hydrophobic properties, which conferred temperature-responding properties. GO-POM could catalyze the epoxidation of cyclooctene with complete conversion and 98% selectivity for epoxide at 50 °C for 12 h in water. Meanwhile, the catalyst could be easily recycled because of its thermosensitive property.