Efficient catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol by tetrasubstituted cobalt phthalocyanine-MWCNTs composites

In this paper, the tetra-[ α -( p -formyl) phenoxy] phthalocyanine cobalt (II)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CoPc/MWCNTs) composites were prepared through the π-π interactions between CoPc and MWCNTs. UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterize the structures of the prepared CoPc/MWCNTs composites. Its catalyzed oxidation properties were studied by carrying out the oxidation reaction of benzyl alcohol. The catalytic efficiency of these compounds under different reaction parameters such as catalyst dosage, temperature, time and various organic solvent was investigated. • Novel CoPc(O 2 C 7 H 6 ) 4 /MWCNTs catalyst was prepared by an ultrasonic impregnation method. • The as-prepared CoPc(O 2 C 7 H 6 ) 4 /MWCNTs catalyst was used for benzyl alcohol oxidation. • CoPc(O 2 C 7 H 6 ) 4 /MWCNTs showed excellent catalytic properties in benzyl alcohol oxidation. • Possible CoPc(O 2 C 7 H 6 ) 4 /MWCNTs catalytic mechanism for benzyl alcohol oxidation was proposed.