Synergetic effect of FeVO4 and α-Fe2O3 in Fe–V–O catalysts for liquid phase oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde

Synergistic effect of FeVO4 with α-Fe2O3 was found in Fe–V–O catalyst, which was responsible for the high apparent formation rate (A.F.R.) of benzaldehyde in liquid phase oxidation of toluene by hydrogen peroxide. The synergistic effect might create VOx species as active sites; moreover, it improved the reducibility and the reactivity of Fe–V–O catalyst. In order to gain the high A.F.R. of benzaldehyde, the catalyst should have the moderate reducibility.