Coherent design of chromium oxide nanoparticles immobilized on layered double hydroxide as competent nanocatalyst for the oxidation of cyclohexane to KA oil

Abstract Transition metals are commonly used in the oxidation of cyclohexane, but their robust reaction conditions and lack of efficiency make further use challenging. This work aimed to improve the efficiency of the reaction further, a heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation of cyclohexane was developed using chromium oxide nanoparticles immobilized on layered double hydroxide (Cr₂O₃/LDH). Various spectroscopy methods were used to identify the synthesized catalysts. The synthesized Cr₂O₃/LDH nanocatalyst was used for the selective oxidation of cyclohexane in the liquid phase without solvent. The structural characterization showed that the Cr₂O₃-NPs were well anchored on the LDH layers, resulting in a fine dispersion. The Cr₂O₃/LDH hybrid significantly increased conversion and selectivity, achieving a maximum conversion of 34.73% cyclohexane and 97.85% selectivity to K/A oil. The leaching experiment revealed that the Cr₂O₃/LDH exhibited the properties of a heterogeneous nanocatalyst, which could be reused for at least six cycles without affecting its catalytic efficiency.