A rapid synthesis route for Sn-Beta zeolites by steam-assisted conversion and their catalytic performance in Baeyer–Villiger oxidation

Sn-Beta zeolites were prepared by a rapid and clean steam-assisted conversion (SAC) method from dry stannosilicate gel. The amorphous gel was converted to highly crystalline Sn-Beta within 5 h at mild reaction temperature of 453 K. The properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, FT-IR, UV–Vis, UV-Raman, ICP and N2 adsorption. A high gel conversion to BEA can be obtained with Sn4+ inserted in the zeolite framework. The SAC method was successfully used to produce pure silica Beta zeolite (Si/Sn = ∞) to Sn-Beta zeolite with 3.8 wt.% SnO2 (i.e., Si/Sn = 83). The Sn-Beta prepared by SAC method is an efficient catalyst for Baeyer–Villiger (B–V) reaction of cyclohexanone to ε-caprolactone.

Graphical abstractA steam-assisted conversion (SAC) method was used to rapidly synthesize Sn-Beta zeolites with high crystallinity and yield. The Sn-Beta zeolites could exhibit good catalytic activity for Baeyer–Villiger (B–V) oxidation reaction of cyclohexanone to ε-caprolactone using aqueous H2O2 (30%) as oxidant.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights• A steam-assisted conversion (SAC) method is used to rapidly synthesize Sn-Beta zeolites. • Sn-Beta zeolites with high crystallinity and BEA topology could successfully be synthesized by SAC method. • The Sn-Beta by SAC method can demonstrate good catalytic activity for cyclohexanone oxidation with 30% H2O2.