An effective approach to preparing MgO–Ag NPs–CNFs and Al2O3–Ag NPs–CNFs for styrene epoxidation action

Abstract

Two kinds of metal oxide–silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) embedded in carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared by electrospinning followed by calcination. The resulted nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It indicated that MgO–Ag NPs and Al₂O₃–Ag NPs were well-distributed in the CNFs. This effective synthesis method can be used to prepare other composite nanofibers with functionality. MgO–Ag NPs–CNFs and Al₂O₃–Ag NPs–CNFs served as supported catalysts were used in the styrene epoxidation by TBHP. The Al₂O₃–Ag NPs–CNFs catalyst showed its high catalytic activity for the epoxidation of styrene (conversion: 46.45%, styrene oxide (SO) selectivity: 34.45%), as compared with the MgO–Ag NPs–CNFs catalyst. The addition of MgO or Al₂O₃ had the effect of a promoter in the catalyst system. These kinds of composite nanofiber membranes have proven effective catalytic activity and recyclability in the styrene epoxidation.