Hierarchical CeO2@N–C Ultrathin Nanosheets for Efficient Selective Oxidation of Benzylic Alcohols in Water

A monodisperse CeO2@N–C ultrathin nanosheet self-assembled hierarchical structure (USHR) has been prepared by metal–organic framework template methods. The uniform coating of nitrogen-doped carbon (N–C) layers could play an important role in the adsorption and activation of benzylic alcohol. The unique 3D hierarchical structure self-assembled by ultrathin nanosheets provided enough active sites for the catalytic reaction. Therefore, the CeO2@N–C USHR can afford excellent catalytic performance for selective oxidation of benzylic alcohols in water.