Carbon nanotube-supported Au–Pd alloy with cooperative effect of metal nanoparticles and organic ketone/quinone groups as a highly efficient catalyst for aerobic oxidation of amines

Abstract

Functionalised carbon nanotube (CNT)-supported Au–Pd alloy nanoparticles were highly efficient catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of amines. We achieved the highest turnover frequencies (>1000 h⁻¹) for the oxidative homocoupling of benzylamine and the oxidative dehydrogenation of dibenzylamine. We discovered a cooperative effect between Au–Pd nanoparticles and ketone/quinone groups on CNTs.