Gold nanoparticles supported on cellulose aerogel as a new efficient catalyst for epoxidation of styrene

A new efficient heterogeneous catalyst was introduced for the epoxidation of styrene. The catalyst was obtained from deposition of gold nanoparticles on the cellulose aerogel. The catalyst was characterized with XRD, TGA, EDX, BET, FAAS and SEM. High yield and excellent selectivity were achieved for the epoxidation of styrene in solvent-free conditions at room temperature using H₂O₂ as a green oxidant during 1 h. The reaction has some advantages such as solvent-free and mild reaction conditions, low catalyst loading, high yield, excellent selectivity, green oxidant and short reaction duration. In addition, the catalyst is recyclable and applicable for six times without decrease in yield.