Tin-derivative sandwich-type polyoxometalates supported on Nd-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles as efficient and reusable catalysts in the oxidation of sulfides and alcohols

<div><p>New nanocomposites, including different loading levels of sandwich-type polyoxometalates [(HOSn^IVOH)₃(XW₉O₃₄)₂]^<i>n</i>− (X = As (<b>1</b>), P (<b>2</b>) <i>n</i> = 12 and Si (<b>3</b>) <i>n</i> = 14) on Nd-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by a simple impregnation method. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Compounds <b>1</b>–<b>3</b> were successfully loaded on Nd-doped crystallized anatase-phase TiO₂ nanoparticles of 20–25 nm. Catalytic activities of nanocomposites were examined by carrying out the oxidation of sulfides and alcohols with H₂O₂. Simple synthesis method, reusability, and low amounts of the heterogeneous catalysts with a slight excess of H₂O₂ and mild reaction conditions make these oxidation reactions an environmentally benign chemical process.</p></div