Light-driven Pickering interfacial catalysis for the oxidation of alkenes at near-room temperature

In this study, we have developed an emulsion system combining plasmonic Au-loaded amphiphilic silica nanoparticles (Au/SiO2-C-3) and tri(dodecyltrimethylammonium) phosphotungstate ([C-12](3)[PW12O40]) nanoparticles acting as an on-site photoassisted heater/activator and a catalyst, respectively, at the water/oil interface. The system exhibits a 5-fold increase of activity compared to the thermal reaction for the near-room temperature oxidation of alkenes with H2O2. The nanoparticles show excellent recyclability and structural stability. This study opens an avenue to design multiphase photoreactors for oxidation reactions at mild temperature, with a potential energy saving of 74% compared to that of thermally heated reactors at isoconversion.

Automated summary

In this study, an emulsion system combining plasmonic Au-loaded amphiphilic silica nanoparticles and tri(dodecyltrimethylammonium) phosphotungstate nanoparticles was developed for oxidation reactions at near-room temperature. The system showed a 5-fold increase in activity compared to thermal reactions, with potential energy savings of 74% compared to thermally heated reactors.