A Novel Method for Synthesizing p-Benzoquinone by Direct Catalytic Oxidation of Benzene with Hydrogen Peroxide over Copper-Doped TS-1

Abstract

Existing methods for synthesizing p-benzoquinone have drawbacks with respect to environmental protection, production scale, or industrial value. Therefore, it is imperative that a simple and environmentally friendly alternative be developed. The approach that involves preparing p-benzoquinone by the catalytic oxidation of benzene with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) over copper-modified titanium silicalite-1 (Cu/TS-1) has a certain superiority due to its green synthesis and mild reaction conditions. In this study, Cu/TS-1 catalyst was prepared by the wet impregnation of TS-1 with an aqueous solution of Cu(NO₃)₂ and then characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, and analysis of the N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms. The results reveal that Cu species exist mainly in the form of amorphous CuO that is well dispersed on the surface of catalysts, with no major change in the molecular sieve framework. After optimizing the reaction conditions, a desirable p-benzoquinone selectivity (88.4%) and benzene conversion (18.3%) were obtained when the doping of Cu in Cu/TS-1 is 1.95 wt%. In addition, Cu/TS-1 can be conveniently regenerated, showing a slight decrease in catalytic capability after initial use, which then stabilizes in subsequent circulations. The satisfactory stability and low cost of synthesizing Cu/TS-1 give this method considerable potential for further industrialization.

Keywords

Catalytic oxidation / Benzene / p-Benzoquinone / Copper / Titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1) / Wet impregnation

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