The aim of this study was the synthesis, characterization, and catalytic application of new hierarchical materials modified with tantalum and vanadium ions. These materials exhibit secondary porosity, thus allowing the reactant molecules to access the active sites of the material while maintaining the acidity and crystallinity of the zeolites. Based on the results, these systems were found to be highly active and selective in the oxidation of cyclohexene. The performance of the catalysts was compared in oxidation processes carried out by conventional and microwave-assisted methods. Microwave-assisted experiments showed that in the presence of a hierarchical FAU zeolite containing Ta, long reaction times could be shortened with increased activity and selectivity under the same residual experimental conditions.
Keywords: cis-1,2-cyclohexanediol; epoxidation; hierarchical zeolites; tantalum; vanadium.