Valence-dependent rate constants in 1-phenylethanol oxidation over hydrotalcite-supported MnO x nanocluster catalysts

The valence-dependent catalysis of hydrotalcite-supported MnOx nanocluster catalysts was elucidated. Mn K-edge XANES revealed that 1-phenylethanol oxidation proceeds via redox cycles. Through kinetic analysis, the specific rate constants for MnO2 and Mn2O3 were determined, revealing that MnO2 exhibits higher catalytic activity than Mn2O3, and that the overall reaction rate can be further enhanced by a sufficient oxygen supply. These findings indicate that MnO2 and Mn2O3 exhibit different rate-determining steps and provide quantitative insights into the valence-dependent catalysis of MnOx nanoclusters.