Ionic liquid [Bmim][AuCl4] encapsulated in ZIF-8 as precursors to synthesize N-decorated Au catalysts for selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols

Here we report a novel approach to synthesize Au NPs immobilized on N-doped carbon materials. In this strategy, an ionic liquid (IL) [Bmim][AuCl4] was selected as the precursor for Au NPs and porous framework of ZIF-8 as the host for the IL. Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N-2 physical absorption and Fourier infrared spectra confirmed that the IL was successfully incorporated in the ZIF-8 pores. Followed by a thermal treatment under inert atmosphere, highly dispersed Au NPs were obtained and stabilized by nitrogen species from the carbonization of organic ligand in the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The [Bmim][AuCl4]@ ZIF-8-6.25%-T materials exhibited high catalytic activity for the selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols, affording excellent yields (up to > 99%) under atmospheric air and base-free conditions. Catalytic reaction along with catalyst characterization results revealed a strong interaction between Au NPs and N species. TEM, XRD and XPS characterization results further suggested that the N species could not only prevent the Au NPs from aggregation, but also further enhance the reaction activity.