Ni-based catalysts derived from a metal-organic framework for selective oxidation of alkanes

Ni nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon (Ni@C-N) materials were prepared by thermolysis of a Ni-containing metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF) under inert atmosphere. The as-synthesized Ni@C-N materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, N 2 adsorption-desorption analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The MOF-derived Ni-based materials were then examined as heterogeneous catalysts for the oxidation of alkanes under mild reaction conditions. The Ni@C-N composites displayed high activity and selectivity toward the oxidation of a variety of saturated C-H bonds, affording the corresponding oxidation products in good-to-excellent yields. Furthermore, the catalysts could be recycled and reused for at least four times without any significant loss in activity and selectivity under the investigated conditions.