Green Reactions by Metallosilicate Catalysts

Abstract

Metallosilicates, represented by TS-1 titanosilicate, have brought revolutionary green upgrades in the production of bulk chemicals by fabricating efficient selective oxidation catalytic systems since 1980s. The restrictions derived from the medium-pore structure of TS-1 titanosilicate have stimulated the development of novel titanosilicates beyond TS-1 and corresponding greener catalytic systems with enhanced catalytic performance. In addition, the metallosilicates have found novel applications in conversion of low-carbon resource with the metals in the framework T sites serving as active centers or promoter for the precious metal active species. Herein, the recent advances of metallosilicates are reviewed in constructing greener reaction systems, including the epoxidation of propylene, cyclohexanone ammoximation, and the hydroxylation of phenol, as well as novel applications in the propane dehydrogenation and methane-to-methanol reactions. Future research directions are discussed focusing on of industrialization of novel titanosilicates and the in-depth understanding of active sites and reaction mechanism.