Optimization of Cyclohexene Oxidation Using Fractional Factorial Design and V2O5/CeO2 Catalysts

Abstract

An experimental design methodology was applied to optimize cyclohexene oxidation catalyzed by V2O5/CeO2. The statistical study of the process was achieved through a two-level, 25-1 fractional factorial experimental design with five process parameters. The significant input variables (key factors) that influenced the performance of cyclohexene oxidation are the catalyst mass, percentage active phase (catalyst loading), temperature, molar ratio (Cyclohexene/TBHP), and the reaction time. The effect of the individual parameters andtheir interaction effects on the cyclohexene conversion, as well as the selectivity of cyclohexane epoxide, was determined, and a statistical model of the process was developed.The significant parameters influencing conversion were: mass, temperature-molar ratio and time-mass interaction; the other parameters had no effect. Significant parameters influencing selectivity are: molar ratio, other parameters have no effect. The optimal conditions were obtained for the catalyst weight of 0.1 g, temperature of 74°C, and reaction time of 4 h, with 15% V2O5/CeO2 as the active phase and tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant.