Development of a method for the synthesis of basic catalysts with high number of active species

•The novelty is using MCF, Nb/MCF-14 and Ce/MCF-14 as supports for melamine.•The presence of Nb or Ce in MCF increases the melamine loading and its stability.•The interaction between melamine and Ce or Nb species in MCF was proven.•CeO2 in Mel/Ce/MCF-14 increases the basicity of melamine by electron donation.•The melamine modified samples are active in the Knoevenagel condensation.