Influence of Acid Modification on Selective Phenol Hydrogenation Over Pd/Activated Carbon Catalysts

The influence of the acid treatment on cyclohexanone selectivity of phenol hydrogenation over Pd on active carbon was studied in liquid phase reaction and by temperature-programmed desorption. Acid treatment of activated carbon led to an increased cyclohexanone/cyclohexanol ratio. Acid modification of the carbon support enriched the electron density of Pd, and enhanced the desorption of the phenoxy species, which resulted in improved cyclohexanone selectivity in phenol hydrogenation.