Popis: |
A set of Fe-silicalite samples of MFI structure have been prepared by the hydrothermal technique, followed by steaming and by further chemical treating of the solid. After characterisation by nitrogen adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-electron probe micro analysis (SEM-EPMA), the samples have been tested as catalysts for the oxidation of benzene to phenol by N 2 O. The best performing catalyst has been studied also by temperature programmed desorption-mass spectrometry and temperature programmed reaction-mass spectrometry (TPD-TPR-MS), after pre-adsorption of both reactants and products. It was found that phenol forms when N 2 O is adsorbed first, followed by benzene. Almost no phenol formation was observed when adsorbing benzene before N 2 O. Furthermore, on this catalyst N 2 O decomposed since 50°C or less, forming gaseous N 2 and adsorbed oxygen, which started to become available for the oxidation of benzene since 100–200°C. However, the so formed phenol remained adsorbed onto the catalyst. It desorbed within the 225–425°C temperature range, with a maximum around 300°C. |