Comparative evaluation of synthesis routes of Cu/zeolite Y catalysts for catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of quinoline in fixed-bed reactor.

In order to find a better alternative of conventional aqueous ion-exchange method, several Cu/zeolite Y samples were synthesized by different routes and examined for the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of quinoline aqueous solution in continuous fixed-bed reactor. The characterization of catalysts using ICPMS, XRD, N sorption, UV-vis DRS, FESEM and XPS techniques reveals the profound influence of preparation methods on synergy between copper-support interfaces. Aqueous ion-exchange (CuY) and wet-impregnation (CuY) methods promoted isolated Cu species; however, large crystallites of CuO were present on the external surface of precipitation-impregnation (CuY) catalyst.