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.