Abstract: Nanoparticle spinel MnFe1.95Ru0.05O4 catalyst was prepared via wet chemical method and the influence of Cu additive on this catalyst was investigated. The specific surface area and pore volume of the catalyst were increased by adding Cu additive. The results of XPS demonstrate that the chemical environment of elements such as Mn and Fe was greatly influenced by Ru modification while hardly influenced by Cu additive; however, the chemical environment of Ru was affected by Cu additive. The results of EXAFS characterization demonstrate the newly formed active Ru=O bond, which is attributed to Cu additive. The influence of Cu additive on catalytic activity was studied using the oxidations of cinnamyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol as typical reactions.

Key words: Spinels, Modification, Ruthenium, Characterization, Oxidation