An amphiphilic organosilicon framework (AOF): a new solid Pickering catalyst carrier

Abstract

Amphiphilic solid nanoparticles can stabilize a biphasic system to form a Pickering emulsion like organic amphiphilic surfactants, and have profound implications for oil-aqueous biphasic reactions. In the current work, for the first time, we prepared an amphiphilic organosilicon framework (AOF) simply by hydrolysis and condensation of the amphiphilic organosiloxane precursor 2,5-bis[(E)-2-(triethoxysilyl)vinyl]pyridine [BTOSVP] which can be used as a Pickering emulsifier and a catalyst carrier for a W–O emulsion in various systems. After catalyst TS-1 was implanted in the amphiphilic AOF carrier, it turned into a solid Pickering catalyst, yolk–shell TS-1@AOF, that can stabilize water–oil emulsions and catalyze reactions at the liquid/liquid interface. The obtained Pickering catalyst showed remarkable activity toward the epoxidation reaction of 1-hexene in water with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as oxidant.