Selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde over Ce-modified algal-based biochar

As an important chemical intermediate, benzaldehyde is widely used in medicine and fine chemicals. To address pollution in traditional benzaldehyde synthesis, preparing benzaldehyde through the catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol holds significant research and practical value. In this study, a cerium-modified algal-derived biochar catalyst with excellent catalytic oxidation performance was prepared. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were thoroughly analyzed using various characterization methods, including scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, and X-ray energy spectrometer. The effects of reaction temperature, oxidation reaction time, CeO2 doping, and catalyst dosage on benzyl alcohol conversion and benzaldehyde selectivity during catalytic oxidation were further investigated through controlled variable tests. The results showed that the prepared catalysts enabled efficient conversion of benzyl alcohol under mild conditions, with conversion rates of 100% and benzaldehyde selectivity of 86.59%. This study demonstrates the highly selective conversion of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde under mild conditions and proposes an alternative for the preparation of benzaldehyde in a green, economical, and environmentally friendly way.