Synthesis and characterization of Pd(II) dispersed over diamine functionalized graphene oxide and its scope as a catalyst for selective oxidation

A protocol for synthesis of active palladium(II) over diamine functionalized graphene oxide(Pd(II)AAPTMS@GO) is described. The catalyst gave excellent conversion (96%) of benzyl alcohol with 99% selectivity towards benzaldehyde. The active catalytic material was fully characterized by BET surface area analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on the FT-IR results, the organic amine was successfully grafted over the graphene surface. The palladium distribution on the graphene oxide surface was confirmed by TEM. The catalytic activity remained unaltered in the first five cycles, but the efficiency of conversion and yield dropped to 89% in the 6th cycle.