POSS-Derived Mesostructured Amphiphilic Polyoxometalate-based Ionic Hybrids as Highly Efficient Epoxidation Catalysts

Novel amphiphilic mesostructured polyoxometalate-based ionic hybrids have been successfully synthesized through designing new POSS-derived mesoporous poly­(ionic liquids) (POSS-BM_<i>x</i>) to interact with Keggin-type phosphotungstic acid (PW). The obtained ionic hybrids POSS-BM_<i>x</i>-PW have good thermal stability, adjustable pore structure and surface wettability. Catalytic tests for H₂O₂-based epoxidation of cyclooctene, along with comparisons to various counterparts, well demonstrate that POSS-BM_<i>x</i>-PW (<i>x</i> = 8, 11) exhibit high activity and selectivity, coupled with convenient recovery and steady reuse. The unique mesoporous structure and the amphiphilic catalyst surface are revealed to be responsible for the catalyst’s excellent performances in epoxidation reaction with H₂O<sub>2