Selectivity Regulation of Au/Titanate by Biochar Modification for Selective Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol

In organic synthesis, it is important to control the selectivity target product with high purity and reduce the cost of energy and equipment for separation. This study investigated supported gold catalysts on biochar-modified titanate-based nanofibers in order to regulate the catalytic performances by biochar content and surface properties. The catalysts were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, ICP-OES, UV-Vis to confirm their morphology, particle size distribution of Au NPs, crystal structures, oxidation state of Au and other key elements, real Au loading, and optical properties. In the test of selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde, the biochar modification could improve the selectivity toward benzaldehyde. Moreover, the influence of catalyst calcination conditions, reaction time, reaction atmospheres, reaction temperatures and solvent were systematically investigated. These results are useful for peer researchers in rational catalyst design.