Physicochemical and catalytic properties of iron-doped silica—the effect of preparation and pretreatment methods

Chemical vapor deposition (1wt% of iron) and wet and wetness impregnations (both giving Fe loading of 1.6 and 2.9 wt%) have been applied for the formation of iron-doped silica. The obtained materials were characterized by means of low-temperature N2 adsorption, XRD, TEM, H2-TPR, ESR, and chemisorption of CO and O2. Their catalytic activity was tested in isopropanol decomposition and oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde. Depending on the preparation procedure various levels and strengths of Fe–silica interactions were observed. The activation conditions determine the nature of the Fe species formed. Fe3+ isolated species are active in isopropanol dehydration whereas Fe–oxide centers exhibit very high selectivity in methanol oxidation to methylformate and formaldehyde.