Preparation of ZrO2/Na-β and ZrO2/H-β catalysts and their catalytic performance for the Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley reaction of cyclohexanone and isopropanol

ZrO2/Na-β and ZrO2/H-β catalysts are prepared by the reflux impregnation method and are applied to the Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley reduction of cyclohexanone and isopropanol. The catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrum, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, N2 isothermal adsorption and desorption, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The products are identified by gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry and analyzed by gas chromatography. The experimental results showed that ZrO2/H-β exhibits higher catalytic activity for the above Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley reduction because ZrO2/H-β has both Zr4+ and Al3+ ion acid centers, which provide the moderately strong acid needed for the reaction. Under optimized conditions, ZrO2/H-β(6) is used as the catalyst, and the conversion rate of cyclohexanone was 92.0% as determined by the area-normalized calculation based on cyclohexanone. The catalyst can be regenerated by programmed heating calcination. The conversion rate of cyclohexanone decreased to 79.4% after five recycling cycles, and its service life needs further study to be improved.