Synthesis of Bi2WO6 nanoplates using oleic acid as a green capping agent and its application for thiols oxidation

Bi2WO6 nanoplates were synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method using oleic acid (OA) as a green and cheap capping agent. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the products. The interaction between the precursor product and oleic acid was studied by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR). In addition, the catalytic activity of prepared Bi2WO6 for the oxidation of thiols to disulfides as an important reaction in both biological and chemical processes was investigated. It was found to be an efficient catalyst for the selective oxidation of thiols to the corresponding disulfides, without over-oxidation, at room temperature.