The selective hydrogenation of acetylene in the presence of carbon monoxide over Ni and Ni–Zn supported on MgAl2O4

The effect of gaseous carbon monoxide on the hydrogenation of acetylene over Ni supported on MgAl2O4 in the presence and absence of zinc dopants has been investigated. Both carbon monoxide and zinc inhibit activity to a considerable extent. Carbon monoxide also lowers the selectivity to ethane substantially. Zinc causes some reduction in selectivity in the absence of carbon monoxide but only at very high conversions when it is present.

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► Ni and NiZn2 supported on MgAl2O4 have been tested for acetylene hydrogenation.
► The Zn-containing catalyst has better selectivity to ethylene at high conversion.
► Inclusion of CO in the feed improves ethylene selectivity with both catalysts.
► The effect of CO on selectivity is proportionately greater for the Ni-only catalyst.