Synthesis and catalytic applications of hierarchical mesoporous AlPO4/ZnAlPO4 for direct hydroxylation of benzene to phenol using hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

Amorphous hierarchical mesoporous AlPO₄ and ZnAlPO₄ materials have been successfully synthesized for the first time by a simple physical mixing method, where tetrapropyl ammonium bromide acts as both a template and structure directing agent. The materials exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the production of phenol from benzene (99% conversion with 85% selectivity).