Catalytic activity of ratio-dependent SBA-15 supported zirconia catalysts for highly selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and environmental pollutant heavy metal ions detection

Zirconium incorporated mesoporous SBA-15 silica with Si/Zr ratios of 10, 20, 30 and 40 have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The prepared mesoporous materials were characterized by suitable physical and chemical characterization technique. Besides, the catalytic activity of the prepared SBA-15/ZrO2 (10–40%) catalyst was used for benzyl alcohol oxidation with tertiary-butyl hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant at 90 °C. The prepared SBA-15/ZrO2 (30%) catalyst is to facilitate the higher conversion and selectivity. Moreover, the catalyst was regained and reused many times without significant loss in catalytic activity. Furthermore, the SBA-15/ZrO2 (30%) catalyst modified GCE electrode was used for the determination of environmentally hazardous pollutant metal ions such as Cd2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+. Besides, the proposed modified sensor exhibited excellent selectivity, reproducibility, and repeatability. Thus, the GCE/SBA-15/ZrO2 (30%) modified electrode as a suitable electrode material for rapid monitoring of these heavy metal ions from the environmental pollutant water samples. Eventually accepted, the SBA-15/ZrO2 (30%) can be regarded as an effective catalyst to enhance the catalytic activity towards the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and heavy metal ions detection.
Graphical abstract
TOC Graphic, SBA-15 supported zirconia (ZrO2) catalysts for highly selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and heavy metal ions detection.