Synthesis, characterization and catalytic applications
Of CeO2- MgO nanocomposite oxide for Knoevenagel
Condensation reaction

Abstract

A series of CeO2-MgO nanocomposite oxides were prepared by gel combustion method. The nanocomposite oxides were characterized by XRD, UV and SEM techniques. The presence of well dispersed ceria nanoparticles in MgO matrix was ascertained from the XRD and UV study. SEM study indicated the material to be porous and low density in nature. The CeO2-MgO composite oxide was used as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation of aromatic aldehydes and malononitrile.