Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance of Fe2(MoO4)3 in the selective oxidation of propene

A method for the simple and efficient microwave radiation-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Fe2(MoO4)3 has been developed. Several factors such as pH, addition rate, molybdenum precursor, type solvent various other parameters are studied. The catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy specific surface area measurements. results show that different morphologies can be obtained, depending on conditions under which iron molybdate is prepared. Nevertheless, in all cases solid particles appear to covered by an amorphous oxide layer, less rich than case a crystallized layer. presence this layer was revealed facets molybdate, with approximately same composition thickness. In effort evaluate relationship between morphology their catalytic properties, several samples exhibiting tested oxidation propene acrolein. These platelets larger (100) planes appeared more active. This attributed faster re-oxidation due preferential diffusion oxygen anions bulk structure channels perpendicular these planes.