Abstract
A series of Ce-containing MCM-22 zeolites with varying cerium concentrations were synthesized and thoroughly studied by various spectroscopic and analytical methods. The powder XRD, FT-IR and surface area analysis confirm the presence of well-ordered MCM-22 framework. The DRUV-Vis spectral and XPS analyses confirmed the presence of cerium ion in both +3 and + 4 oxidation states with tetrahedral coordination. Interestingly MCM-22 containing a small amount of cerium ion (Si/Ce ratio of 200) facilitates a good conversion of isoeugenol (63%), with the selective formation of vanillin (75%) and the catalyst retains its activity for several cycles.
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•Cerium containing MCM-22 was synthesized in short duration.•Effective conversion of isoeugenol to vanillin was achieved on CeMCM-22.•Presence of Ce ions facilitate good yield of vanillin at ambient conditions using H2O2 as an oxidant.•The activity of the catalyst retains even after five cycles.