Ce-modified zeolite BEA catalysts for the trichloroethylene oxidation. The role of the different and necessary active sites

[Display omitted] •Higher dispersion of cerium thus higher amount of reactive oxygen species in hierarchical zeolite β.•Strength of Brønsted acid sites significantly influences activity and selectivity of Ce-zeolites.•Combination of mesoporosity and Brønsted acidity maximizes the activity for the oxidation of TCE. This paper reports the activity of different Ce-BEA zeolites for the catalytic oxidation of trichloroethylene and it is focused on determining the nature of the catalyst active sites. The study was made by using a microporous zeolite BEA, two types of desilicated BEA zeolites and mildly steamed desilicated BEA zeolites. The catalysts were prepared by introducing Ce to the zeolites with incipient wetness impregnation and their structural, textural, and acidic properties were established. The evolution of TCE conversion was correlated with the physicochemical properties of the zeolites. It is shown that highly developed mesopore surface area, well-dispersed cerium species and a high number of Brønsted sites results in the highest activity. The activity and selectivity of the Ce-loaded zeolites were found to be dependent on the number of high strength Brønsted acid centres. The hierarchical materials with a higher density of hydroxyls showed higher yields to HCl while the formation of chlorine was prevented.