Additive-free aerobic C-H oxidation through a defect-engineered Ce-MOF catalytic system

Abstract Ce-UiO-66 MOF, namely cerium-organic framework was prepared through a fast and efficient method under ultrasonic radiation. After preparation, it was identified using some different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques such as PXRD, FT-IR, TG/DTA, BET, BJH, and FE-SEM. The catalytic activity of Ce-UiO-66 MOF was checked in aerobic oxidation of methyl arenas, alcohols and styrene derivatives in a sustainable circumstance with no additives. Moreover, its catalytic activity was surveyed influenced by a number of variables in the ultrasonic synthesis method. Some parameters such as solvent, base, temperature, amount of the catalyst and time were also tested to optimize the aerobic oxidation reaction. After the 10th run, the recycled Ce-MOF showed an acceptable efficiency, which proved its high reusability and stability under optimized conditions. Furthermore, the Ce-UiO-66 was investigated structurally by PXRD method which demonstrated the catalyst stability after the aerobic oxidation reaction.