Sonochemical preparation of Fe-Y zeolite catalyst for the conversion of benzene to phenol

Enzyme-mimetic materials such as Fe-containing zeolites are of research interest due to the high selectivity for the one-step selective oxidation of benzene to phenol over the Fe-catalytic active center at room temperature and ambient pressure. This study investigates a Fe-modified Y zeolite catalysts prepared via a sonochemical method for the oxidation of benzene-to-phenol using water as solvent. These catalysts were subjected to a screening and optimization experiment by a response surface methodology (RSM), evaluating their potential for the synthesis of phenol. Achieving the preparation of a catalyst with an increased phenol selectivity from 3 % to ∼91 % and almost 100 % when evaluated at 30 ºC. Various Fe species, including the α-Fe(II) active site, were detected using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and magnetic thermal gravimetric analysis (MTGA). Highlighting the potential of sonochemistry for preparing at mild temperatures (<100 ºC) iron-modified zeolite Y catalysts with room temperature catalytic active in water-based systems. • Partial oxidation of benzene to phenol catalyzed by an Fe-modified zeolite Y in water. • Sonochemistry stabilization and tuning of room temperature α-Fe active site in zeolite Y. • Water nucleophilic attack regeneration mechanism of α-Fe active site of a sono-assisted Fe-modified zeolite Y.