LAUSR

The solvothermal method was used to synthesize MIL-53(Al) and MIL-53(Al–Li) at 120 °C. Synthesized catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and NH3-temperature-programmed desorption. Synthesized MIL-53(Al) and MIL-53(Al–Li) were used to perform alkylation of benzene with ethanol in a gas phase laboratory reactor. Activity tests revealed that MIL-53(Al–Li) has better performance compared to MIL-53(Al) with 73% conversion of benzene, complete conversion of ethanol, and 75% selectivity for ethylbenzene at 200 °C. The main byproduct is identified as toluene, and other byproducts are detected in very small amount. Both of catalysts show good stability after 14 h time on stream at 200 °C. The high activity and product selectivity of MIL-53(Al–Li) are attributed to proper acidity strength of catalytic sites...