Modification of Au nanoparticles electronic state by MOFs defect engineering to realize highly active photocatalytic oxidative esterification of benzyl alcohol with methanol

Abstract Defect modified UiO-66 supported Au nanoparticles exhibited excellent catalytic performance in the oxidative esterification of benzyl alcohol with methanol under mild conditions. The defects were generated by introducing HCl during the preparation procedure. The defects exposed the Lewis acid of coordinatively unsaturated metal sites, which is benefit for Au loading and changing Au nanoparticles (NPs) to a negative electron state. The negatively charged Au nanoparticle promoted the reaction by strong oxygen activation ability. The present study could help to unravel the synergistic effect of support and metal interaction and provides an efficient photocatalytic route for synthesis high-value esters in terms of sustainable chemistry.