Microwave-dried α-Fe2O3 as a highly efficient catalyst for ortho-methylation of phenol with methanol

•A novel α-Fe2O3 catalyst was prepared by microwave-drying used for methylation of phenol with methanol, demonstrated larger specific surface area, bigger pore volume.•Microwave dried α-Fe2O3 catalyst showed more acidity than air dried α-Fe2O3, and can be synthesized with good repeatability, stability and conveniently reactivated.•Microwave dried α-Fe2O3 showed good performance of the methylation of phenol with methanol than air dried α-Fe2O3, and remained high catalytic activity and ortho-selectivity after continuous 2000h operation at the temperature from 623K to 653K.