Catalytic behavior and reaction routes of MEK oxidation over Pd/ZSM-5 and Pd-Ce/ZSM-5 catalysts

► The MEK oxidation processes were systematically studied by thermal desorption/GC-MS technique. ► PdCe(9.6 wt%)/ZSM-5 can offer more lattice oxygen and therefore possesses higher activity. ► Catalyst acidic changes the reaction routes and byproducts distribution. ► The oxidation products over Pd-Ce bimetallic catalysts are closely related to the surface CH3* species.