Application of Al2O3/AlNbO4 in the oxidation of aniline to azoxybenzene

Al2O3/AlNbO4 powder was fabricated by a facile high-energy milling process. The precursor materials, Al2O3 and Nb2O5, are readily available and have very attractive properties. Moreover, the catalytic activity of the sample in the liquid phase oxidation of aniline (OA) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as oxidant was evaluated. The catalyst was found to be highly efficient and selective in the oxidation of aniline to azoxybenzene under mild conditions. When mixed with 28% AlNbO4 the alumina-based catalyst achieved high conversion and selectivity and very similar to the pure Nb2O5.