Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Sn-MFI Nanosheets for the Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation of Cyclic Ketones

Stannosilicate zeolites with nanosheet morphology and MFI topology (Sn-MFI-ns) are successfully synthesized with an amphiphilic organic structure-directing agent. Sn source, Si/Sn ratio, crystallization time and temperature impact framework Sn incorporation and nanosheet morphology. Optimal synthesis conditions generate Sn-MFI-ns with high crystallinity and isolated framework Sn sites. Nanosheets are ∼2 nm thick in the (010) direction, resulting in large intersheet mesopore volumes and external surface areas exceeding 430 m2/g. Unlike bulk Sn-MFI, Sn-MFI-ns is highly active in the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of bulky cyclic ketones using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Although Sn-MFI-ns and Sn-MCM-41 have comparable activity and oxidant efficiency, the nanosheets exhibit drastically higher thermal and hydrothermal stability.