Green Synthesis Montmorillonite Clay Supported Co₃O₄ Nanoparticles and Its Catalytic Efficacy Towards Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation

Co₃O₄ nanoparticles supported on modified montmorillonite clay (Co₃O₄@Mont) were synthesized by using green natural extract (tulsi leaf) under mild reaction conditions. The modification of montmorillonite clay was executed by refluxing the clay with H₃PO₄ under controlled condition to generate a porous matrix with high surface area which acts as support for the generation and stabilization of nanoparticles. The Co₃O₄@Mont nanocomposite was characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM–EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Powder X-Ray Diffraction (P-XRD) and N₂-adsorption–desorption analysis. The synthesized nanocomposite showed excellent catalytic efficacy towards the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of various Ketones using H₂O₂ as oxidant at room temperature. The catalytic B-V oxidation gives the best results in aqueous medium and gives maximum conversion of the product in 1 h. The completion of the reaction in short time (1 h) under mild reaction conditions with green solvent signifies the applicability of the nano-catalyst for the B-V oxidation over other reported catalyst. Also, the catalyst can be recovered easily by simple filtration at the end of the reaction. Further, the recyclability of the used Co₃O₄@Mont nano-catalyst for the same substrate was performed and its catalytic efficacy is maintained without any significant loss for various catalytic cycles.