Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of binary metallic titanium and iron containing mesoporous silica

A series of Fe–Ti incorporated-SBA-15 and MCM-41 has been synthesized using different heteroatom sources and characterized by using XRD, N2-adsorption, HRTEM, ICP, FT-IR, and UV–vis techniques. Catalytic performances of the obtained materials were evaluated in the hydroxylation of styrene with H2O2. Results indicated that (a) all samples exhibited typical hexagonal arrangement of mesoporous structure with high surface areas, (b) the kinds of heteroatoms sources had a significant effect on the heteroatom contents in the samples, i.e. there was a strong interaction between Ti and Fe species in the synthesis procedure, and (c) catalytic results revealed that the selectivity of benzaldehyde and the conversion of styrene were controlled by the contents of Fe and Ti species in the samples, respectively. An appropriate nTi/nFe ratio in catalysts could approach the optimal catalytic performance.

The kinds of titanium/iron sources had a significant effect on their contents in the mesoporous silica and the selectivity of benzaldehyde and the conversion of styrene were controlled by the contents of Fe and Ti species in the samples, respectively.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A series of Fe–Ti modified SBA-15 and MCM-41 were synthesized using different heteroatom sources.
► The kinds of heteroatoms sources had a significant effect on the heteroatom contents in the samples.
► Fe and Ti species in the material played different role in the hydroxylation of styrene by H2O2.