Performance Evaluation of Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation with tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide to Benzaldehyde Using the Response Surface Methodology, Artificial Neural Network, and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System Model

The adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), central composite experimental design (CCD)-response surface methodology (RSM), and artificial neural network (ANN) are used to model the oxidation of benzyl alcohol using the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) oxidant to selectively yield benzaldehyde over a mesoporous ceria-zirconia catalyst. Characterization reveals that the produced catalyst has hysteresis loops, a sponge-like structure, and structurally induced reactivity. Three independent variables were taken into consideration while analyzing the ANN, RSM, and ANFIS models: the amount of catalyst (A), reaction temperature (B), and reaction time (C). With the application of optimum conditions, along with a constant (45 mmol) TBHP oxidant amount, (30 mmol) benzyl alcohol amount, and rigorous refluxing of 450 rpm, a maximum optimal benzaldehyde yield of 98.4% was obtained. To examine the acceptability of the models, further sensitivity studies including statistical error functions, analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, and the lack-of-fit test, among others, were employed. The obtained results show that the ANFIS model is the most suited to predicting benzaldehyde yield, followed by RSM. Green chemistry matrix calculations for the reaction reveal lower values of the E-factor (1.57), mass intensity (MI, 2.57), and mass productivity (MP, 38%), which are highly desirable for green and sustainable reactions. Therefore, utilizing a ceria-zirconia catalyst synthesized via the inverse micelle method for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol provides a green and sustainable methodology for the synthesis of benzaldehyde under mild conditions.