Oxidation of alkenes catalysed by molybdenum(VI)–oxodiperoxo complex anchored on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles under solvent‐free conditions

A new epoxidation catalyst has been prepared by grafting a molybdenum(VI)–oxodiperoxo complex containing an oxazine ligand, [MoO(O₂)₂(phox)], on chloro‐functionalized Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The synthesized heterogeneous catalyst (MoO(O₂)₂(phox)/Fe₃O₄ was characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, vibrating sample magnetometry, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The immobilized complex gave high product yields and high selectivity for epoxide compared to the corresponding homogeneous one in the epoxidation of various olefins in the presence of tert ‐butyl hydroperoxide at 95°C without any co‐solvent. Also, the heterogeneous catalyst can be recycled without a noticeable change in activity and selectivity.     

Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of ZnO Nanorods Coupled by Two‐Dimensional α‐MoO3 Nanoflakes under UV and Visible Light Irradiation

We exploit the utilization of two‐dimensional (2D) molybdenum oxide nanoflakes as a co‐catalyst for ZnO nanorods (NRs) to enhance their photocatalytic performance. The 2D nanoflakes of orthorhombic α‐MoO₃ were synthesized through a sonication‐aided exfoliation technique. The 2D MoO₃ nanoflakes can be further converted to substoichiometric quasi‐metallic MoO_3?x by using UV irradiation. Subsequently, 1D–2D MoO₃/ZnO NR and MoO_3?x/ZnO NR composite photocatalysts have been successfully synthesized. The photocatalytic performances of the novel nanosystems in the decomposition of methylene blue are studied by using UV‐ and visible‐illumination setup. The incorporated 2D nanoflakes show a positive influence on the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO. The obtained rate constant values follow the order of pristine ZnO NR<MoO₃/ZnO NR<MoO_3?x/ZnO NR composites. The enhancement of the photocatalytic efficiency can be ascribed to a fast charge carrier separation and transport within the heterojunctions of the MoO₃/ZnO NRs. In particular, the best photocatalytic performance of the MoO_3?x/ZnO NR composite can be additionally attributed to a quasi‐metallic conductivity and substoichiometry‐induced mid‐gap states, which extend the light absorption range. A tentative photocatalytic degradation mechanism was proposed. The strategy presented in this work not only demonstrates that coupling with nanoscale molybdenum oxide nanoflakes is a promising approach to significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of ZnO but also hints at new type of composite catalyst with extended applications in energy conversion and environmental purification.     

Acetalization of glycerol using mesoporous MoO3/SiO2 solid acid catalyst

Acetalization of glycerol with various aldehydes has been carried out using mesoporous MoO₃/SiO₂ as a solid acid catalyst. A series of MoO₃/SiO₂ catalysts with varying MoO₃ loadings (1–20 mol%) were prepared by sol–gel technique using ethyl silicate-40 and ammonium heptamolybdate as silica and molybdenum source respectively. The sol–gel derived samples were calcined at 500 °C and characterized using various physicochemical characterization techniques. The XRD of the calcined samples showed the formation of amorphous phase up to 10 mol% MoO₃ loading and at higher loading of crystalline α-MoO₃ on amorphous silica support. TEM analyses of the materials showed the uniform distribution of MoO₃ nanoparticles on amorphous silica support. Raman spectroscopy showed the formation of silicomolybdic acid at low Mo loading and a mixture of α-MoO₃ and polymolybdate species at high Mo loadings. Moreover the Raman spectra of intermediate loading samples also suggest the presence of β-MoO₃. Acetalization of glycerol with benzaldehyde was carried out using series of MoO₃/SiO₂ catalysts with varying MoO₃ loadings (1–20 mol%). Among the series, MoO₃/SiO₂ with 20 mol% MoO₃ loadings was found to be the most active catalyst in acetalization under mild conditions. Maximum conversion of benzaldehyde (72%) was obtained in 8 h at 100 °C with 60% selectivity for the six-membered acetal using 20% MoO₃/SiO₂. Interestingly with substituted benzaldehydes under same reaction conditions the conversion of aldehydes decreased with increase in selectivity for six-membered acetals. These results indicate the potential of this catalyst for the acetalization of glycerol for an environmentally benign process.     

Enhanced sulfur‐resistant methanation performance over MoO3–ZrO2 catalyst prepared by solution combustion method

Sulfur‐resistant methanation of syngas was studied over MoO₃–ZrO₂ catalysts at 400°C. The MoO₃–ZrO₂ solid‐solution catalysts were prepared using the solution combustion method by varying MoO₃ content and temperature. The 15MoO₃–ZrO₂ catalyst achieved the highest methanation performance with CO conversion up to 80% at 400°C. The structure of ZrO₂ and dispersed MoO₃ species was characterized using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The energy‐dispersive spectrum of the 15MoO₃–ZrO₂ catalyst showed that the solution combustion method gave well‐dispersed MoO₃ particles on the surface of ZrO₂. The structure of the catalysts depends on the Mo surface density. It was observed that in the 15MoO₃–ZrO₂ catalyst the Mo surface density of 4.2 Mo atoms nm^?2 approaches the theoretical monolayer capacity of 5 Mo atoms nm^?2. The addition of a small amount of MoO₃ to ZrO₂ led to higher tetragonal content of ZrO₂ along with a reduction of particle size. This leads to an efficient catalyst for the low‐temperature CO methanation process.     

Possibility of Mo<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript> formation at high temperatures in the range of pressures from 1 to 1 × 10<Superscript>−5</Superscript> bar

Gibbs free energy minimization was used to consider the formation of complex molybdenum oxide (Mo₂O₆) at 2400 K in the range of pressures from 1 to 1 to 1 × 10⁻⁵ bar for the basic component ratio Mo: O₂ = 1: 1. Several ways are shown to lead to Mo₂O₆ formation: when P = 1 bar, a synthesis reaction involving simple molybdenum oxides (MoO, MoO₂, MoO₃) is the main way; when P = 1 × 10⁻³ bar or lower, reactions of (MoO₃) _n (n = 3−5) complex oxides with metallic molybdenum and molybdenum monoxide (MoO) are.     

Facile fabrication of magnetic MoO2–Salen‐modified graphene‐based catalyst for epoxidation of alkenes

A facile, green and efficient method for the immobilization of MoO₂–Salen onto graphene hybridized with glucose‐coated magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles is proposed to fabricate a magnetic organic–inorganic hybrid heterogeneous RGO/Fe₃O₄@C‐Salen‐MoO₂ catalyst for the epoxidation of cyclooctene and geraniol using tert ‐butyl hydroperoxide or H₂O₂ as oxidant. Carbon‐coated Fe₃O₄ can improve the stability and add functional ─OH groups on the surface of Fe₃O₄. The fabricated composite exhibited good performance due to good dispersion of MoO₂–Salen active sites. The catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction system using a permanent magnet and used three times without significantly losing its catalytic activity and selectivity.     

Growth of carbon nanotubes from butadiene on a Fe-Mo-Al2O3 catalyst

The MoO₃-Fe₂O₃-Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared from metal nitrates using a coprecipitation method. It was found that the modification of an alumina-iron catalyst with molybdenum oxide resulted in the formation of a solid solution based on hematite, in which a portion of iron ions was replaced by aluminum and molybdenum ions. The MoO₃-Fe₂O₃-Al₂O₃ catalyst was reduced with a reaction mixture at 700°C. Under the action of 1,3-butadiene diluted with hydrogen, the solid solution based on hematite was initially converted into magnetite and then into an Fe-Mo alloy. The modification of an alumina-iron catalyst with molybdenum oxide considerably changed its properties in the course of carbon nanotube formation. As the Mo content was increased, the yield of carbon nanotubes passed through a maximum. The optimum catalyst was 6.5% MoO₃–55% Fe₂O₃-Al₂O₃. The addition of small amounts of MoO₃ (to 6.5 wt %) to the aluminairon catalyst increased the dispersity and modified the properties of active metal particles: because of the formation of an Fe-Mo alloy, the rate of growth decreased but the stability of carbon nanotube growth and the yield of the nanotubes increased. A further increase in the molybdenum content decreased the yield because molybdenum is inactive in the test process.     

Preparation and Catalytic Activity of a Novel Nanocrystalline ZrO2@C Composite for Hydrogen Storage in NaAlH4

Sodium alanate (NaAlH₄) has attracted intense interest as a prototypical high‐density hydrogen‐storage material. However, poor reversibility and slow kinetics limit its practical applications. Herein, a nanocrystalline ZrO₂@C catalyst was synthesized by using Uio‐66(Zr) as a precursor and furfuryl alcohol (FA) as a carbon source. The as‐synthesized ZrO₂@C exhibits good catalytic activity for the dehydrogenation and hydrogenation of NaAlH₄. The NaAlH₄‐7 wt % ZrO₂@C sample released hydrogen starting from 126 °C and reabsorbed it starting from 54 °C, and these temperatures are lower by 71 and 36 °C, respectively, relative to pristine NaAlH₄. At 160 °C, approximately 5.0 wt % of hydrogen was released from the NaAlH₄‐7 wt % ZrO₂@C sample within 250 min, and the dehydrogenation product reabsorbed approximately 4.9 wt % within 35 min at 140 °C and 100 bar of hydrogen. The catalytic function of the Zr‐based active species is believed to contribute to the significantly reduced operating temperatures and enhanced kinetics.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of hierarchical SnO2 nanomaterials for high-efficiency detection of pesticide residue

Acephate pesticide contamination in agricultural production has caused serious human health problems. Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) gas sensor can be used as a portable and promising alternative tool for efficiently detection of acephate. In this study, hierarchical assembled SnO₂ nanosphere, SnO₂ hollow nanosphere and SnO₂ nanoflower were synthesized respectively as high efficiency sensing materials to build rapid and selective acephate pesticide residues sensors. The morphologies of different SnO₂ 3D nanostructures were characterized by various material characterization technology. The sensitive performance test results of the 3D SnO₂ nanomaterials towards acephate show that hollow nanosphere SnO₂ based sensor displayed preferable sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response (9 s) properties toward acephate at the optimal working temperature (300 °C). This SnO₂ hollow nanosphere based gas sensor represents a useful tool for simple and highly effective monitoring of acephate pesticide residues in food and environment. According to the characterization results, particularly Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV–vis), the obvious and fast response can be attributed to the mesoporous hollow nanosphere structure and appropriate band gap of SnO₂ hollow nanosphere.     

Synthesis,structure and properties of eight novel molybdenum(VI) complexes of the types: [MoO2LD] and [{MoO2L}2D] (L = thiosemicarbazonato ligand,D = N-donor molecule)

Eight new molybdenum(VI) complexes with 4-(diethylamino)salicylaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazones have been prepared. They were characterized as mononuclear [MoO₂LD] or dinuclear [{MoO₂L}₂D] complexes. In all the compounds the MoO₂²⁺ core is coordinated by a tridentate ONS thiosemicarbazonato ligand and by the N-donor molecule (imidazole, pyridine or γ-picoline). All the complexes were characterized by chemical analysis, IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. Three of the mononuclear complexes, dioxo[(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazonato)(pyridine)]molybdenum(VI), dioxo[(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazonato)(γ-picoline)]molybdenum(VI) and dioxo[(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazonato)(imidazole)]molybdenum(VI) were also characterized by single-crystal X-ray structural analysis. A spectrophotometric method for the determination of molybdenum based on extraction of ion-pairs formed by the cationic surfactant and the [MoO(SCN)₄]⁻ anion is described.     

A novel route to nanosized molybdenum boride and carbide and/or metallic molybdenum by thermo-synthesis method from MoO3, KBH4, and CCl4

Nanosized molybdenum boride and carbide were synthesized from MoO₃, KBH₄, and CCl₄ by thermo-synthesis method at lower temperature. The relative content of Mo, Mo₂C, and molybdenum boride in the product was decided by the molar ratio between MoO₃, KBH₄, and CCl₄. Increasing the molar ratio of CCl₄ to MoO₃ was favorable to the production of Mo₂C. Increasing the molar ratio of KBH₄ to MoO₃ was favorable to the production of molybdenum boride. By carefully adjusting the reaction conditions and annealing in Ar at 900°C, a single phase of MoB could be obtained.     

Encapsulated ultrafine and highly dispersed molybdenum dioxide nanoparticles in hollow mesoporous silica spheres as an efficient epoxidation catalyst for alkenes

A facile post-synthetic strategy was developed to functionalize the preformed hollow mesoporous silica spheres by encapsulating the molybdenum dioxide (MoO₂) nanoparticles inside the interior cavity. Hollow mesoporous silica spheres were prepared and employed as carriers, and the encapsulation of MoO₂ nanoparticles was achieved through a one-pot hydrothermal protocol. After characterization, the encapsulated MoO₂ nanoparticles were certified to be ultrafine and highly dispersed, which greatly promoted the catalytic activity. The as-prepared catalysts were utilized in epoxidation of alkenes and exhibited as a promising catalyst in this reaction. After reacting for 10 h, the optimal catalyst MoO₂@SiO₂-1 achieved a conversion above 95% and selectivity above 95%, respectively. Moreover, the catalysts also exhibited good reusability, conversion of 78% and selectivity of 89% (reaction time 4 h) were still obtained after recycling for 5 times. Meanwhile, the employed facial and efficient hydrothermal approach could be expanded to other molybdenum modified heterogeneous catalysts in various applications.     

Kinetics of molybdenum loss from iron molybdate catalysts under nitrogen atmosphere

The loss rate of molybdenum in Fe−Mo/SiO₂ catalyst has been measured. When the catalyst is composed of a Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ crystalline phase and monolayer dispersed MoO₃, the loss rate of MoO₃ varies with the content of MoO₃ in the catalyst. If a MoO₃ crystalline phase arises in the catalyst, the loss rate will be accelerated.     

Porous Molybdenum Carbide Nanostructured Catalyst toward Highly Sensitive Biomimetic Sensing of H2O2

There are great challenges to fabricate a highly selective and sensitive enzyme‐free biomimetic sensor. Herein for the first time a unique nanostructure of porous molybdenum carbide impregnated in N‐doped carbon (p‐Mo₂C/NC) is synthesized by using SiO₂ nanocrystals‐templating method and is further used as an enzyme‐free electrochemical biosensor toward highly selective, sensitive detection of H₂O₂, of which the limit of detection, dynamic detection range and sensitivity accomplish as 0.22 μM, 0.05–4.5 mM and 577.14 μA mM^?1 cm^?2, respectively, and are much superior to the non‐porous molybdenum carbide impregnated in N‐doped carbon (Mo₂C/NC). The sensor is also used to monitor H₂O₂ released from A549 living cells. This work holds a great promise to be used to monitor the presence of H₂O₂ in biological research while offering an important knowledge to design a highly selective and sensitive biomimetic sensor by synthesizing a porous catalyst to greatly improve the reaction surface area rather than conventionally only relying on dispersing the catalyst material into porous carbon substrate.     

Low temperature crystallization of a stable phase of microspherical MoO2

MoO₂ microspheres were synthesized by a facile wet chemical method using the molybdenum trioxide as an inorganic precursor and paraphenylendiamine as a reducing agent and also a template, via a hydrothermal way. The as prepared product was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, DTA–TG, and IR. It was found that this product was composed by MoO₂ nanoparticles encapsulated into the organic shell microspheres with diameters of 1–3 μm. The influence of the temperature on the crystallinity of the products was investigated. Optimal conditions founded were: reaction temperature: 220 °C, reaction time: 72 h and cooling time remains unchanged. The possible formation mechanism of MoO₂ microspheres was also discussed.     

Catalytic dehydrogenation of cyclohexene over MoO<Subscript>3</Subscript>/γ-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalysts

A series of MoO₃/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts with different Mo surface densities (Mo atoms/nm²) has been prepared by incipient wetness impregnation method. Structural characteristics of the prepared catalysts were investigated by atomic absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption at −196 °C, and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). The catalytic activities of the prepared catalysts were tested by cyclohexene conversion between 200 and 400 °C. XRD results indicated that molybdenum oxide species were dispersed as a monolayer on the support up to 4.04 Mo atoms/nm², and the formation of crystalline MoO₃ was observed above this loading. FTIR and TPR results showed that molybdenum oxide species were present predominantly in tetrahedral form at lower loading, and polymeric octahedral forms were dominant at higher loading. Cyclohexene conversion reaction proceeded mainly through the simple dehydrogenation pathway in the studied temperature range 200–400 °C and was found to be highly dependent on MoO₃ dispersion.     

Metal–organic framework derived Pd/ZrO2@CN as a stable catalyst for the catalytic hydrogenation of 2,3,5‐trimethylbenzoquinone

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently been identified as versatile sacrificing templates to construct functional nanomaterials for heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, we report a thermal transformation strategy to directly fabricate metal Pd nanoclusters inlaid within a ZrO₂@nitrogen‐doped porous carbon (Pd/ZrO₂@CN) composite using Pd@NH₂‐UiO‐66(Zr) as a precursor that was pre‐synthesized by a one‐pot hydrothermal method. The developed Pd/ZrO₂@CN as a robust catalyst delivered remarkable stability and activity to the catalytic hydrogenation of 2,3,5‐trimethylbenzoquinone (TMBQ) to 2,3,5‐trimethylhydroquinone (TMHQ), a key reaction involved in vitamin E production. The hydrogenation was carried out at 110 °C with 1.0 MPa H₂, and it resulted in 98% TMHQ yield as the sole product over five consecutive cycles, outperforming the analogue Pd/ZrO₂@C without nitrogen doping templated from Pd@UiO‐66(Zr). The excellent catalytic properties of Pd/ZrO₂@CN likely originated from the highly stable ultrafine Pd nanoclusters inlaid within ZrO₂@CN matrix on account of the strong interaction between N and Pd, as well as on the Lewis acidity of ZrO₂, which was beneficial to the hydrogenation.     

A binuclear dihalodioxido molybdenum compounds for bio-medicinal use

Synthesis of binuclear dioxidomolybdate chloranilate complex of general formula [(MoO₂X₂)₂(C₆O₄X₂)] (where X = Cl, Br) were synthesized by dropwise addition of dichloromethane solution of chloranil (tetrachloro-1, 4-benzoquinone) with dichloro/dibromo dioxidobis(dimethylformamide) molybdenum(VI) in 1:2 M ratio by conventional, as well as, microwave irradiation (solvent free and solid support) methods. In [(MoO₂X₂)₂(C₆O₄X₂)] the environment around each molybdenum atom can be assign as the anticipated distorted octahedral coordination for the metal consisting of one terminal and one bridging oxygen along with chlorine atoms of the chloranil ligand. The binuclear dihalodioxidomolybdate(VI) complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹³C NMR, UV–Vis and Mass Spectrometry to determine the complex formation. The synthesized binuclear dihalodioxidomolybdate(VI) complexes with plurality of uses as micro biocides and insecticide for controlling undesirable micro-organisms and pests in crop protection, protection of materials, household and veterinary pests apart from being cytotoxic. The synthesized complexes were also screened for their anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antitumor activity using standard methods.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Dichlorobis(dimethylsulfoxide)oxoperoxo Molybdenum(VI)

Hydrogen peroxide reacts with [MoO₂Cl₂(dmso)₂] to produce orange crystals of the title complex, [MoO(O₂)Cl₂(dmso)₂]. The structure is orthorhombic with distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry around the molybdenum ion. A short O‐O bond length suggested the presence of a superoxide, but electron paramagnetic resonance measurements definitely supported the peroxo structure.     

具备高首周库仑效率的高性能锂离子电池负极材料Li2Ni2(MoO4)3@C的制备

采用常规的固相反应法结合机械球磨制备了含碳质量分数23.7%的Li₂Ni₂（MoO₄）₃@C复合材料,并应用于锂离子电池负极。与纯Li₂Ni₂（MoO₄）₃相比,Li₂Ni₂（MoO₄）₃@C具有优异的电化学性能,在电流密度为200 mA·g^-1时,50周循环后,可逆容量高达845 mAh·g^-1。值得注意的是,Li₂Ni₂（MoO₄）₃@C的首周库仑效率高达85%。此外,运用循环伏安法对Li₂Ni₂（MoO₄）₃@C复合物存储锂行为进行了初步探索。