Abstract
In present work, nanocomposite of phosphotungstic acid (H 3 PW 12 O 40 )-loaded onto titanium-porous clay heterostructure (PTA/Ti–PCH) was prepared using natural montmorillonite as parent material (Mnt). Characterization of the material was performed using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy, and solid acidity measurement. The material was examined as superacid catalyst in citronellal conversion into isopulegol by varied reaction conditions. Kinetics and thermodynamic studies of catalyzed reaction revealed the role of increased total surface acidity and the Lewis to Brønsted to enhance the reaction conversion and selectivity. Thermodynamic study demonstrated a lower activation energy of the reaction over PTA/Ti–PCH compared to Ti–PCH. A 100 % conversion was exhibited by the sample during 120 min of the reaction at 90°C, and the sample also demonstrated activity at room temperature. Reusability of the sample was expressed by a maintained conversion until 5th cycle. Conclusively, the prepared material showed a potency to be developed for heterogeneously acid-catalyzed organic reactions.