| Summary: | Hierarchical MFI supported ceria–zirconia solid solution was synthesized following deposition–precipitation method at different calcination temperatures. The structure and surface properties were analysed using XRD, TEM, DRS-UV–vis, SEM, nitrogen adsorption–desorption techniques. The as-synthesized samples were found to exhibit excellent catalytic activity for the oxidation of ethyl benzene by tert-butylhydroperoxide with excellent selectivity for acetophenone. Among the supported ceria–zirconia samples, the one calcined at 923 K demonstrated well-defined crystallites with (111) being the most exposed facets and showed highest activity under the optimized reaction conditions. A first order kinetics was observed for the reaction with a rate constant of 2.53 × 10−2 min−1 and activation energy of 21 kJ mol−1. The catalyst was resistant to leaching and retained its activity even after the fifth run. The use of solvent in the reaction system was avoided to maintain a green protocol for the reaction. Keywords: MFI, Hierarchic MFI, Ceria–zirconia, Calcination temperature, Ethyl benzene
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