Catalytic oxidation of ethyl acetate over Y (Y = Cu, Mn, Co)-modified CeO2 derived from Ce-MOF

A series of YCe catalysts were prepared using Y-loaded (Y = Cu, Co, Mn) Ce-based metal–organic framework as a precursor. Mn-loaded CeO2 exhibited significantly better catalytic activity in the catalytic oxidation of ethyl acetate (EA) than noble metal catalyst. The relationship between the physicochemical properties of YCe catalysts and catalytic activity was studied by different characterization methods. The enhanced catalytic activity was attributed to the strong interaction between the transition metals and Ce, high specific surface area, abundant lattice defects, more oxygen vacacies and higher Olatt/(Olatt + Oads + Ow) molar ratios. The main intermediates in the oxidation of EA were ethanol, acetic acid, acetone, acetaldehyde and diethyl ether.