Organometallic precursor induced defect-enriched mesoporous CeO₂with high specific surface area: Preparation and catalytic performance

High specific surface areas, suitable porous structure and surface enriched defects are favorable to the improvement of the catalytic performance of ceria. However, it remains a challenge to further enhance these characteristics in one system. Herein, an appealing approach for preparing mesoporous and defect-enriched CeO2 with high specific surface area around 220 m2 g-1 is explored. When evaluated as a catalyst for the oxidative coupling of alcohols and amines under mild conditions, a maximum conversion efficiency of 92.9% is achieved for benzyl alcohol at 60 °C in air within 8 h, and the selectivity to the imine approached almost 100%, which is ascribed to its superior specific surface area and surface properties. We anticipate that such a novel approach has a directive function for the development of high performance metal oxide catalysts or catalytic carriers.