Effect of palladium precursor and preparation method on the catalytic performance of Pd/SiO2 catalysts for benzene hydrogenation

Supported Pd catalysts on silica were prepared by different synthesis methods using Pd(Ac)₂ and PdCl₂ as salts precursors. The obtained materials were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), H₂ chemisorption, and temperature programmed desorption of hydrogen (H₂-TPD). The catalytic performances of these catalysts have been evaluated in the hydrogenation of benzene. The obtained results show that metal dispersion and catalytic activity are strongly dependent on the salts precursor and the method of preparation of the catalyst. The catalysts prepared by hydrazine reduction exhibit higher activity in benzene hydrogenation than that by the polyol reduction method. Moreover, the catalyst prepared with palladium acetate showed higher catalytic activity than those prepared with palladium chloride. The superior catalytic performance of this catalyst in the hydrogenation of benzene was ascribed to a significantly better dispersion of Pd particles on the silica support.