Low temperature liquid phase catalytic oxidation of aniline promoted by niobium pentoxide micro and nanoparticles.

A microwave-assisted hydrothermal method was employed to synthesis Nb2O5 (niobium pentoxide) nanoparticles and the effects of synthesis conditions on the physical-chemical properties were evaluated. The catalytic activity of the prepared samples in the liquid phase oxidation of aniline with aqueous hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing agent was also studied. The nanoparticles showed hexagonal structure and rounded shape covered by nanoneedles. The results evidenced high catalytic activity with total conversion of aniline at ambient condition. Aniline conversion and product selectivities depended on the experimental parameters, particularly the oxidizing agent concentration, the nature of the solvent, type of the catalyst and reaction time