Abstract:
Fe-doped ZrO2 compounds were prepared by a co-precipitation method. The compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption, ultraviolet diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectros-copy, transmission electron microscopy, NH3 temperature-programmed desorption, X-ray photoe-lectron spectroscopy, and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The incorporation of Fe into ZrO2 lattice favored and effectively stabilized the formation of purely ZrO2 tetragonal phase. Subsequently, the catalytic activity of the Fe-doped ZrO2 compounds was evaluated toward vapor phase methylation of phenol. The catalytic activity was governed by Fe content and related to the Lewis acidity of the prepared catalyst.
