Tuning the textural properties of biomass-derived nanocrystallized BEA for acetyl functionalization of anisole

Abstract

The synthesis of a highly active zeolite beta catalyst for acetyl functionalization of anisole by utilizing the silica precursor obtained from rice husk is a promising approach for the mitigation of agricultural waste. The influence of combustion temperature (CT) (300, 500, 700, and 900 °C) on the characteristics of rice husk ash was investigated. The C52H obtained at a medium CT (500 °C) has a high surface area compared to the C72H indicates that, merging of smaller crystals of amorphous silica to form crystalline silica with larger crystallites by applying more thermal energy when CT ≥ 700 °C. The PS-5 catalyst derived from C52H possess high surface area (332 m2/g) and a smaller crystallite size (14.8 nm) compared to the PS-7 obtained from C72H, which shown the lower surface area (131.5 m2/g) with a larger crystallite size (25.6 nm). Solid-state NMR and NH3-TPD analysis reveals that PS-5 catalyst possessing higher acidity compare to both PS and PS-7. The activity studies confirms that the PS-5 catalyst exhibited superior catalytic activity (>98%) compared to PS (conventional) and PS-7 catalysts, making it a potential candidate for continuous production of aromatic ketones. acylation reactions.