The invention discloses a catalyst for synthesis of 2, 6-dichlorotoluene and a preparation method of the catalyst, and belongs to the technical field of production of 2, 6-dichlorotoluene. According to the catalyst, ZSM-5
zeolite is used as a matrix, firstly, mesoporous-microporous graded pore channels are constructed in the ZSM-5
zeolite through selective
etching of an alkali solution to improve
mass transfer; then loading iron and
cerium bimetallic
active components by adopting an equivalent-volume impregnation method, and accurately regulating and controlling a
reaction path through the synergistic effect of acidity and oxidation-reduction characteristics of the iron and
cerium bimetallic
active components; and finally,
coating the outer surfaces of the catalyst particles with a layer of
amorphous silicon dioxide thin shell through a
chemical vapor deposition technology, and selectively passivating non-shape-selective acidic sites on the outer surfaces. According to the design, the chlorination reaction is forced to be mainly carried out in an internal pore channel with shape selectivity, so that the selectivity and yield of 2, 6-dichlorotoluene as well as the recyclability are remarkably improved while the
high activity is maintained.