Synthesis of iron-MFI zeolite and its photocatalytic application for hydroxylation of phenol

摘要

This work focuses on the preparation of Fe-MFI zeolites by a one-step method with different iron concentrations and their characterization by different methods such as X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nitrogen sorption measurements at 77 K, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and UV-Vis reflectance diffuse spectroscopy. The results show that the modification of the zeolites with high iron concentrations led to the formation of well-dispersed oxides within the framework, decreasing the specific surface area. The photocatalytic activity of the iron-modified zeolites was evaluated using hydroxylation of phenol with hydrogen peroxide at room temperature. High conversion (80%) of phenol was obtained by Fe-Al-MFI (0.5) containing lower iron concentration. Interesting selectivity towards catechol was achieved, confirming that the reaction is influenced by sites on the external surface.