Synthesis and Oxidative Catalytic Property of Ruthenium-doped Titanate Nanosheets

Abstract

Sodium titanate nanosheets were prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis method under basic conditions. Ruthenium was introduced on the surface of sodium titanate nanosheets through an UV irradiation in the aqueous RuCl3 solution. The crystal phase and morphology of synthesized samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. In addition, the content of Ru was evaluated by inductively coupled plasma. It was proposed that a monomeric form of ruthenium was incorporated on the surface of sodium titanate. Ruthenium incorporated sodium titanates were applied to alcohol oxidation using molecular oxygen as an oxidant. The sample with 7% ruthenium showed a catalytic activity with a turnover frequency value of 2.1 h(-1) in oxidizing benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde without any other byproducts at 105 degrees C and 1 atmosphere.