Catalizzatori bidimensionali privo di metalli per la catalisi selettiva di reazioni di ossidazione

The thesis reports the synthesis, the characterization, and the study of the catalytic properties of a metal- free graphene-based material, specifically its ability to oxidize thioethers. The material, Graphene Aceto Acid (GAA), represents a novel catalyst capable of selectively oxidizing thioethers with a high conversion rate. When combined with green synthesis methods and ambient reaction conditions, it yields an efficient and cost-effective catalyst with the potential to reduce the reliance on metals in catalysis. The study research covers two major reactions. Firstly, the selective oxidation of thioethers to sulfides was investigated, wherein the catalyst demonstrates good selectivity across various thioether compounds. Furthermore, it maintains its activity over multiple reaction cycles. Secondly, the catalase-like activity of GAA was explored. Unfortunately, the material did not exhibit the desired catalytic performance with a promising yield, prompting us to discontinue this line of research. Ultimately, GAA has been found to be an efficient and greener alternative to conventional metal-based materials.