Characterization and catalytic properties of Ni and NiCu catalysts supported on ZrO2–SiO2 for guaiacol hydrodeoxygenation

ZrO2–SiO2 complex oxides with Si/Zr mole ratio of 3 (SZ-3) were synthesized. ZrO2–SiO2 supported Ni and NiCu catalysts were prepared by impregnation method. Their catalytic performances were evaluated in the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) upgrading of model reactant guaiacol to hydrocarbons. The physicochemical properties of the support materials and catalysts were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TPD, TPR, and BET techniques. The addition of Cu significantly affected the acidity, and thus influenced their catalytic performance for product distributions. Over the Ni5Cu/SZ-3 catalyst, the cyclohexane selectivity of 80.8% and the methylcyclohexane selectivity of 12.4% were obtained with complete conversion of guaiacol under the 300 °C, 5.0 MPa H2 pressure.

Over SiO2–ZrO2 supported NiCu catalysts, guaiacol was effectively converted to cyclohexane and methyl-cyclohexane through HDO reaction.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► ZrO2–SiO2 mixed oxides possess amphoteric character and excellent textural properties.
► NiCu/ZrO2–SiO2 catalyst possesses high catalytic activity for guaiacol HDO.
► Cu could lower the reduction temperature of NiO, and fortify the acidity of catalyst.
► The metallic and acidic functionalities of catalyst exhibit synergistic effect on guaiacol HDO.