Preparation of Bimetallic CuZn@mSiO₂ Yolk‐Shell Catalyst for the Selective Oxidation of Cumene to Acetophenone

Abstract Bimetallic catalysts have exhibited huge catalytic potential in the oxy‐functionalization of alkanes. Here, we provide a valid strategy for encapsulating copper and zinc metal oxide nanoparticles by mesoporous SiO₂. The prepared CuZn@mSiO₂ catalyst are yolk‐shell nanospheres with a diameter of 600 nm and a large specific surface area around 1000 m² g⁻¹. Bimetallic synergy between Cu and Zn was further analyzed by XRD, XPS and H₂‐TPR. The selective oxidation of cumene to acetophenone was used as a probe reaction to evaluate the activity of bimetallic yolk‐shell catalysts, and the results showed excellent catalytic performance that promoted cumene to acetophenone transformation under mild conditions (80 °C, 5 h, H₂O₂ as oxidant). Also, the recycling tests verified the robust stability and reusability for the catalyst. Finally, a reasonable reaction mechanism was proposed to better understand the oxidation pathway of cumene.