Transesterification of ethylene carbonate to dimethyl carbonate catalyzed by CeO2 materials with various morphologies

A series of ceria materials with various morphologies including rods, cubes, and polyhedra were fabricated by simple hydrothermal approaches. In the transesterification of ethylene carbonate with CH3OH, the ceria samples showed different catalytic activity, depending on their morphologies. Among them, ceria with rod (CeO2-R) shapes demonstrated the highest catalytic activity, affording a DMC yield of 71% at 140 degrees C, also could be reused for at least five catalytic runs. According to CO2-TPD characterization results, the CeO2-R possesses the strongest base strength, which is responsible for its highest catalytic performance.