Vapour Phase Oxidation of Cumene by Molecular Oxygen over MCM-41 Supported Cobalt Oxide Catalyst

Abstract

Si-MCM-41 and Al-MCM-41 supported cobalt oxide catalysts were prepared and characterized by XRD. The surface area, pore size and wall thickness was calculated by applying BET equation and BJH method using nitrogen sorption technique. DR UV-VIS confirm the presence of cobalt oxide as isolated particle in the framework positions of the MCM-41 mesostructure. The vapour phase oxidation of isopropyl benzene with CO₂-free air as the oxidant was studied over cobalt oxide supported unwashed and washed Si-MCM-41 and Al-MCM-41 catalyst. Isopropyl benzene conversion increased with increase in temperature from 200 to 300 °C, but at 325 °C it decreased. Formation of coke was noted at all the temperatures. Cumenehydroperoxide, 1,2-epoxyisopropylbenzene, acetophenone and styrene were the products observed in this reaction. Of the products cumenehydroperoxide was found to be more selective over all the catalysts. Both unwashed and washed catalysts were found to have nearly the same activity. Due to more dispersion, the active sites in the latter catalysts compensates its low cobalt oxide content in producing activity equal to the former catalysts. The study of time on stream indicated decrease in conversion due to coke formation.