Mechanistic Investigation of Enhanced Catalytic Selectivity toward Alcohol Oxidation with Ce Oxysulfate Clusters

Ceria-based materials have been highly desired in photo -catalytic reactions due to their redox properties and strong oxygen storage and transfer ability. Herein, we report the structures of one CeCe70 oxysulfate cluster and four MCe70 clusters (M = Cu, Ni, Co, and Fe) with the same Ce70 core. As noted, single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirmed the structures of CeCe70 and the MCe70 series, while Raman spectroscopy indicated an increase in oxygen defects upon the introduction of Cu and Fe ions. The clusters catalyzed the oxidation of 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol under ultraviolet light. CuCe70 and FeCe70 exhibited enhanced reactivity compared to CeCe70 and improved aldehyde selectivity compared to control experiments. In comparison with their homogeneous congeners, the CeCe70/MCe70 clusters altered the location of radical generation from the bulk solution to the clusters??? surfaces. Mechanistic studies highlight the role of oxygen defects and specific transition metal introduction for efficient photocatalysis. The mechanistic pathway in this study provides insight into how to select or design a highly selective catalyst for photocatalysis. Superscript/Subscript Available

Automated summary

Ceria-based materials are highly desirable in photocatalytic reactions due to their redox properties and oxygen storage ability. In this study, CeCe70 and MCe70 clusters (M = Cu, Ni, Co, and Fe) were structurally characterized and found to exhibit enhanced reactivity and improved aldehyde selectivity. Mechanistic studies revealed the importance of oxygen defects and specific transition metal introduction for efficient photocatalysis.