Co‐Metal Catalysts on SiO2‐TiO2 for Methanol Production from CO2 – Effect of Preparation Methods

The effect of quantity, composition, and different impregnation sequences on the catalytic properties of Cu‐Zn‐Al/SiO₂‐TiO₂ in the CO₂ hydrogenation for methanol production was investigated. The Cu‐Zn‐Al catalysts supported on SiO₂ and TiO₂ were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation. Then, their performances in CO₂ hydrogenation were tested under defined conditions. The composition variation of Cu and Zn catalysts resulted in a high methanol production for Cu catalysts with a higher content of Cu, which was the active site for CO₂ activation. Regarding the metal quantity of catalysts, a relatively low loading of co‐metal (Cu‐Zn‐Al) led to the maximum methanol yield when compared with higher loadings as a result of the largest surface area.     

Selective Oxidation of Methanol to Dimethoxymethane over Mesoporous Al‐P‐V‐O Catalysts

The synthesis and application of bifunctional mesoporous Al‐P‐V—O catalysts with both acidic and redox sites for selective oxidation of methanol to dimethoxymethane (DMM) is described. The catalysts were characterized by N₂ adsorption/desorption, X‐ray diffraction, temperature‐programmed desorption, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. It is shown that porosity; redox property and surface acidity of the catalysts were greatly influenced by the Al/V/P ratio. The synergistic effect of phosphorus and vanadium was investigated. Al‐P‐V—O catalysts exhibited good catalytic activity because of the controlled reducibility and the acidic sites. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 2587–2593, 2013     

Acrylic Acid Oxidation to Synthesize Methyl 3,3-dimethoxypropionate

Methyl 3,3-dimethoxypropionate was prepared via the oxidation of acrylic acid by oxygen in methanol over PdCl₂/CuCl₂ catalyst. An acrylic acid conversion of 95.2% with a methyl 3,3-dimethoxypropionate selectivity of 90.6% was obtained at 35 °C and 5 atm. The reaction pathway might be that the esterification of acrylic acid in methanol was the first step, then methyl acrylate reacted with oxygen to form an intermediate aldehyde, which could react with methanol to form methyl 3,3-dimethoxypropionate.     

Liquid‐phase hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde over Cu‐Au/SiO2 catalysts

The synthesis, characterization, and application of silica‐supported Cu‐Au bimetallic catalysts in selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde are described. The results showed that Cu‐Au/SiO₂ bimetallic catalysts were superior to monometallic Cu/SiO₂ and Au/SiO₂ catalysts under identical conditions. Adding a small amount of gold (6Cu‐1.4Au/SiO₂ catalyst) afforded eightfold higher catalytic reaction rate compared to Cu/SiO₂ along with the high selectivity (53%, at 55% of conversion) toward cinnamyl alcohol. Characterization techniques such as x‐ray diffraction, H₂ temperature‐programmed reduction, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectra of chemisorbed CO, and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to understand the origin of the catalytic activity. A key genesis of the high activity of the Cu‐Au/SiO₂ catalyst was ascribed to the synergistic effect of Cu and Au species: the Au sites were responsible for the dissociative activation of H₂ molecules, and Cu⁰ and Cu⁺ sites contributed to the adsorption‐activation of C?C and C?O bond, respectively. A combined tuning of particle dispersion and its surface electronic structure was shown as a consequence of the formation of Au‐Cu alloy nanoparticles, which led to the significantly enhanced synergy. A plausible reaction pathway was proposed based on our results and the literature. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3300–3311, 2014     

Production of Synthesis Gas via Dry Reforming of Methane over Co‐Based Catalysts: Effect on H2/CO Ratio and Carbon Deposition

The effect of support type on synthesis gas production using Co‐based catalysts supported over TiO₂‐P25, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, and CeO₂ was investigated. The catalysts were prepared by the incipient wet impregnation method and characterized by various techniques for comparison. Experiments were performed in a micro tubular reactor. The results revealed that all Co‐supported catalysts produced synthesis gas ratios of 1 and below and, thus, proved to be well‐suited for methanol and Fischer‐Tropsch syntheses. Co catalysts supported over TiO₂‐P25 and Al₂O₃ provided better synthesis gas ratios and stability performances. The promotion of a Co/TiO₂‐P25 catalyst with Ce had a substantial influence on its catalytic activity and the amount of carbon deposit. A Ce‐promoted catalyst diminished markedly the extent of carbon deposition and thus boosted the performance towards better activity and stability.     

Ionic Liquid‐Coated Nickel Phosphide Catalysts for Selective Hydrodesulfurization

Ni₂P/SiO₂ catalysts were coated with the ionic liquid (IL) 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amide with different coating thicknesses and their selective hydrodesulfurization performances were investigated using a model fluid catalytic cracking gasoline. The selective factor on the IL‐coated catalysts (IL‐Ni₂P/SiO₂) first increased and then decreased as the initial mass ratio of IL to Ni₂P/SiO₂ catalyst ranged from 0.02 to 0.18. A maximum selectivity factor of 16.7 was found at a mass ratio of 0.10 which corresponds to full monolayer coverage on the original Ni₂P/SiO₂ catalyst by the IL. In comparison, the selectivity factor was 6.7 for the Ni₂P/SiO₂ catalyst, indicating a significant selectivity improvement by the IL coating method.     

Hydrierung von p‐Nitrophenol zu p‐Aminophenol als Testreaktion für die katalytische Aktivität von Pt‐Trägerkatalysatoren

The hydrogenation of p‐nitrophenol (PNP) to p‐aminophenol (PAP) using NaBH₄ as a reducing agent was studied as a test reaction for determining the catalytic activity of supported Pt catalysts. The initial reaction rate, which is accessible within less than 10 minutes via online UV‐vis spectroscopy at room temperature, ambient pressure and in water as a solvent, was used as measure for the catalytic activity. For three Pt catalysts supported on porous SiO₂, porous glass and Al₂O₃, respectively, significant differences in the catalytic activity were observed. However, especially in case of very active catalysts, limitations of the reaction by internal or external mass transfer have to be considered.     

Studies on mild catalytic synthesis of methyl acrylate via one‐step aldol reaction

One‐step catalytic synthesis of methyl acrylate from methyl acetate and trioxane, with 90.7% yield and 91.8% selectivity, was realized at 10–25°5. NMR analysis confirmed the ester enolization with generation of [i‐Pr₂EtN‐H]⁺[TfO]^? in the presence of i‐Pr₂EtN and Bu₂BOTf, which was affected by solvent and base. The depolymerization of trioxane into formaldehyde was catalyzed by Bu₂BOTf. The in‐situ catalytic mechanism and efficiency of [i‐Pr₂EtN‐H]⁺[TfO]^? was determined and analyzed. Mechanism‐based kinetic and thermodynamic studies were conducted for better understanding of this route. Also the primary process design and product separation simulation were carried out. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 1359–1372, 2018     

Enhanced Catalytic Activity with Oxygen for Methyl Acrylate Production via Cross‐Aldol Condensation Reaction

An innovative technology for the production of methyl acrylate via vapor‐phase cross‐aldol condensation is described. Catalytic process intensification was realized through the enhanced catalytic activity with oxygen by catalyst design and adjustment of active sites. Crystal phases with different V valences in vanadium phosphate catalysts were controllably synthesized in the presence of oxygen. Donating electron and withdrawing electron sites arose when oxygen moved from one crystalline phase to another, just for the α‐H removal of methyl acetate and formaldehyde protonation. The reaction pathway and transition states were confirmed via molecular simulation with quantum chemistry theory. The catalytic activity was evaluated in a fixed‐bed reactor by adjusting the percentage of oxygen in the carrier gas. Finally, the mechanism of α‐H removal of methyl acetate through the activated oxygen was clarified.     

Dibenzothiophene HDS Over Sulphided CoMo on High‐Silica USY Zeolites

USY faujasites (SiO₂/Al₂O₃ = 12, 30 and 80) were used as hydrodesulphurization (HDS) catalyst supports. Mo, Co and P were impregnated at two concentrations: ～12.5, ～3 and ～1.6 mass %; ～18, ～5.5 and ～2.2 mass % (CL and HL series, respectively). Surface acidity decreased after Co‐Mo‐P deposition. Sulphided catalysts were tested in dibenzothiophene (DBT) HDS (320°C, 5.59 MPa). The HDS rate slightly increased with both SiO₂ content and Co‐Mo‐P loading. High selectivity to hydrogenated products suggested deficient Mo promotion in CL solids. Improved Mo promotion by Co (HL series) could be responsible for higher activity and marked selectivity to desulphurization to biphenyl.     

催化剂焙烧温度和进料组成对乳酸甲酯脱水反应的影响

以可再生的生物原料乳酸的衍生物乳酸甲酯为反应物,在硅胶负载的NaH₂PO₄催化剂（1.0 mmol·g^-1 的NaH₂PO₄／SiO₂）上脱水生成丙烯酸和丙烯酸甲酯,考察催化剂焙烧温度和进料组成对乳酸甲酯脱水反应的影响。结果表明,催化剂适宜焙烧温度为450 ℃,乳酸甲酯进料中添加甲醇,能促进丙烯酸甲酯的生成,提高总脱水产物选择性,而添加水会促进乙醛的生成,对脱水反应不利。     

Preparation and properties of core–shell nanosilica/poly(methyl methacrylate–butyl acrylate–2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate) latex

A core–shell nanosilica (nano‐SiO₂)/fluorinated acrylic copolymer latex, where nano‐SiO₂ served as the core and a copolymer of butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEMA) served as the shell, was synthesized in this study by seed emulsion polymerization. The compatibility between the core and shell was enhanced by the introduction of vinyl trimethoxysilane on the surface of nano‐SiO₂. The morphology and particle size of the nano‐SiO₂/poly(methyl methacrylate–butyl acrylate–2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate) [P(MMA–BA–TFEMA)] core–shell latex were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The properties and surface energy of films formed by the nano‐SiO₂/P(MMA–BA–TFEMA) latex were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and static contact angle measurement. The analyzed results indicate that the nano‐SiO₂/P(MMA–BA–TFEMA) latex presented uniform spherical core–shell particles about 45 nm in diameter. Favorable characteristics in the latex film and the lowest surface energy were obtained with 30 wt % TFEMA; this was due to the optimal migration of fluorine to the surface during film formation. The mechanical properties of the films were significantly improved by 1.0–1.5 wt % modified nano‐SiO₂. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Study on liquid‐phase hydrogenation of paranitrotoluene over Ru‐based catalysts

This paper presented a study on the role of yttrium addition to Ru‐based catalysts for liquid phase paranitrotoluene hydrogenation reaction. An impregnation‐precipitation method was used for preparation of a series of yttrium doped Ru/NaY catalysts with yttrium content in the range of 0.0026–0.0052 g/g. Properties of the obtained samples were characterized and analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), H₂‐TPR, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ICP atomic emission spectroscopy, and Nitrogen adsorption‐desorption. The results revealed that catalytic activity of NaY supported Ru catalysts increased with the yttrium content at first, then decreased with the further increase of yttrium content. When yttrium content was 0.0033 g/g, a Ru‐Y/NaY² catalyst showed the most excellent performance of paranitrotoluene hydrogenation reaction (paranitrotoluene conversion and the selectivity toward P‐methyl‐cyclohexylamine reached 99.9 % and 82.5 %, respectively). In addition, to compare with the performance of Ru‐Y/NaY catalysts, the active carbon supported Ru catalysts were prepared using the same method in view of its higher surface area and adsorption capacity. Finally, the effect of solvent on the reaction over Ru‐Y/NaY² catalyst has been investigated, it was found that the best performance of paranitrotoluene hydrogenation reaction took place in protic solvents (isopropanol and ethanol). This was mainly ascribed to their polarity and hydrogen‐bond accepting capability.

     

Oxidative ring‐opening of 2‐methylcyclohexanone catalysed by supported heteropolyacid catalysts for cetane number enhancement

Incipient wetness impregnation method was used to incorporate heteropolyacid H₆[PV₃Mo₉O₄₀]nH₂O (HPA) on SiO₂ at various HPA loadings (10, 20, 30, 40 wt.% HPA) and calcined temperatures. Catalytic activity of these synthesised catalysts were evaluated through oxidation of 2‐methylcyclohexanone to methyl 6‐oxoheptanoate which was a desired product. In the oxidative conditions the conversion and selectivity of the desired product methyl 6‐oxoheptanoate can reach as high as 97 and 94 wt.%, respectively. The results also suggested that the catalyst with 20 wt.% loading of HPA to be the best one. The catalysts were characterised using a variety of techniques including XRD, BET, FT‐IR and TGA‐DTA. The results indicated that HPA was well dispersed on the SiO₂ supporting material. An engine ignition test following ASTM D6890 standard indicated that the oxidative ring‐opening of cyclohydrocarbons can have a positive impact on the cetane numbers and ignition delay time of fuels. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

Co‐doped ZnO thin films grown by pulsed electron beam ablation as model nano‐catalysts in fischer‐tropsch synthesis

A single‐step deposition of cobalt‐doped zinc oxide (Co‐ZnO) thin film nano‐composites on three different crystalline substrates, viz., Al₂O₃ (c‐sapphire), silicon (100) (Si), and SiO₂ (quartz) is reported, using pulsed electron beam ablation (PEBA). The results indicate that the type of substrate has no effect on Co‐ZnO films stoichiometry, morphology, microstructure, and film thickness. The findings show the presence of hexagonal close‐packed metallic Co whose content increases in the films deposited on Al₂O₃ and Si substrates relatively to SiO₂ substrate. The potential of the films as model nano‐catalysts has been evaluated in the context of the Fischer‐Tropsch (FT) process. Fuel fractions, which have been observed in FT liquid products, are rich in diesel and waxes. Specifically, Co‐ZnO/Al₂O₃ nano‐catalyst shows a selectivity of ～4%, 31%, and 65% towards gasoline, diesel, and waxes, respectively, while Co‐ZnO/SiO₂ nano‐catalyst shows a selectivity of ～12%, 51%, and 37%, for gasoline, diesel, and waxes, respectively. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 3332–3340, 2018     

Hydrogenation of p‐Nitrophenol to p‐Aminophenol as a Test Reaction for the Catalytic Activity of Supported Pt Catalysts

Hydrogenation of p‐nitrophenol (PNP) to p‐aminophenol (PAP) using NaBH₄ as a reducing agent was studied as a test reaction for determining the catalytic activity of supported Pt catalysts. The initial reaction rate, which is accessible within less than 10 min via online UV‐vis spectroscopy at room temperature, ambient pressure, and in water as solvent, was applied as measure for catalytic activity. For three Pt catalysts supported on porous SiO₂, porous glass, and Al₂O₃, respectively, significant differences in the catalytic activity by almost one order of magnitude were observed. However, especially in the case of very active catalysts, limitations of the reaction by internal or external mass transfer have to be considered.     

Selectivity engineering in the O‐ versus C‐alkylation of p‐cresol with cyclohexene over sulfated zirconia

Solid acids are more widely used as heterogeneous catalysts, because they are eco‐friendly. This paper reports the results for the Friedel‐Crafts alkylation of p‐cresol with cyclohexene using solid acids sulfated zirconia, 20% w/w dodecatungstophosphoric acid (DTP) supported on K10 clay and ZnCl₂/K10 (Clayzic). This reaction gave substantial amount of 1‐cyclohexyloxy‐4‐methyl benzene (O‐alkylated product) and 4‐cyclo‐hexyl‐4‐methyl phenol (C‐alkylated product). Both products are of commercial importance as perfume and insecticide respectively. Sulfated zirconia catalyst was shown to be better than others studied in terms of activity and selectivity to the O‐alkylated product. The kinetics were studied with sulfated zirconia as catalyst where the rate determining step was the surface reaction between chemisorbed cyclohexene and p‐cresol from the liquid phase within pores according to the Eley‐Rideal mechanism. The production of O‐alkylated p‐cresol is favoured at lower temperatures and C‐alkylated product at higher temperatures. The best operating temperature is 353 K. The activation energies for O‐ and C‐alkylation are 72.68 and 118.28 kj/mol, respectively.     

Carbon‐Carbon Double Bond versus Carbonyl Group Hydrogenation: Controlling the Intramolecular Selectivity with Polyaniline‐Supported Platinum Catalysts

The use of polyaniline (PANI) as catalyst support for heterogeneous catalysts and their application in chemical catalysis is hitherto rather poorly known. We report the successful synthesis of highly dispersed PANI‐supported platinum catalysts (particle sizes between 1.7 and 3.7 nm as revealed by transmission electron microscopy, TEM) choosing two different approaches, namely (i) deposition‐precipitation of H₂PtCl₆ onto polyaniline, suspended in basic medium (DP method) and, (ii) immobilization of a preformed nanoscale platinum colloid on polyaniline (sol‐method). The PANI‐supported platinum catalysts were applied in the selective hydrogenation of the α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde citral. In order to benchmark their catalytic performance, citral hydrogenation was also carried out by using platinum supported on the classical support materials silica (SiO₂), alumina (Al₂O₃), active carbon and graphite. The relations of the structural characteristics and surface state of the catalysts with respect to their hydrogenation properties have been probed by EXAFS and XPS. It is found that the DP method yields chemically prepared PtO₂ on polyaniline and, thus, produces a highly dispersed and immobilized Adams catalyst (in the β‐PtO₂ form) which is able to efficiently hydrogenate the conjugated CC bond of citral (selectivity to citronellal=87%), whereas reduction of the CO group occurs with polyaniline‐supported platinum (selectivity to geraniol/nerol=78%) prepared via the sol‐method. The complete reversal of the selectivity between the preferred hydrogenation of the conjugated CC or CO group is not only particularly useful for the selective hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes but also unveils the great potential of conducting polymer‐supported precious metals in the field of hitherto barely investigated chemical catalysis.     

C18‐unsaturated branched‐chain fatty acid isomers: Characterization and physical properties

Iso‐oleic acid is a mixture of C₁₈‐unsaturated branched‐chain fatty acid isomers with a methyl group on various positions of the alkyl chain, which is the product of the skeletal isomerization reaction of oleic acid and is the intermediate used to make isostearic acid (C₁₈‐saturated branched‐chain fatty acid isomers). Methyl iso‐oleate, a mixture of C₁₈‐unsaturated branched‐chain fatty acid methyl ester isomers, is obtained via acid catalyzed esterification of iso‐oleic acid with methanol. The branched‐chain materials are liquid at room temperature and their “oiliness” property makes them an attractive candidate for the lubricant industry. In this paper, we report characterization of these branched‐chain materials using comprehensive two‐dimensional GC with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC/TOF‐MS) and their physical and lubricity properties using tribology measurements.     

Hydrogenation of m‐dinitrobenzene to m‐phenylenediamine over La2O3‐promoted Ni/SiO2 catalysts

BACKGROUND: Liquid‐phase catalytic hydrogenation of m‐dinitrobenzene is an environmentally friendly routine for m‐phenylenediamine production. The key to increasing product yield is to develop catalysts with high catalytic performance. In this work, La₂O₃‐modified Ni/SiO₂ catalysts were prepared and applied to the hydrogenation of m‐dinitrobenzene to m‐phenylenediamine. The effect of La₂O₃ loading on the properties of Ni/SiO₂ was investigated. The reaction kinetic study was performed in ethanol over Ni/3%La₂O₃–SiO₂ catalyst, in order to clarify the reaction mechanism of m‐dinitrobenzene hydrogenation. RESULTS: It was found that the activity of the silica supported nickel catalysts is obviously influenced by La₂O₃ loading. Ni/3%La₂O₃–SiO₂ catalyst exhibits high activity owing to its well dispersed nickel species, with conversion of m‐dinitrobenzene and yield of m‐phenylenediamine up to 97.1% and 94%, respectively. The results also show that Ni/3%La₂O₃–SiO₂ catalyst can be reused at least six times without significant loss of activity. CONCLUSION: La₂O₃ shows strong promotion of the effect of Ni/SiO₂ catalyst for liquid‐phase hydrogenation of m‐dinitrobenzene. La₂O₃ loading can affect the properties of Ni/SiO₂ catalyst. Based on the study of m‐dinitrobenzene hydrogenation kinetics over Ni/3%La₂O₃–SiO₂ catalyst, a possible reaction mechanism is proposed. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry