Hydrodeoxygenation of 2-methoxyphenol over Mo2N catalysts supported on activated carbons

The hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of 2-methoxyphenol using Mo2N supported on three commercial activated carbons (Pica, Norit and Cudu) with different textural and chemical properties was studied. The reaction was carried out in a batch reactor at 50 bar of H2 and 300 °C. The catalysts were prepared by wetness impregnation and nitrided with ammonia at 700 °C. The supports and catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption, thermal programmed desorption (TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Mo2N/Norit catalyst displayed higher HDO activity compared to the Mo2N/Cudu and Mo2N/Pica catalysts. HDO conversion increased when the Mo2N/Norit catalysts were activated with hydrogen for 6 h at 400 °C due to increased surface nitridation. The Mo2N/Norit catalyst displayed a higher phenol/catechol ratio relative to the Mo2N/Pica and Mo2N/Cudu catalysts, which displayed similar (phenol/catechol) ratios. The phenol/catechol ratio was unaffected by the H2 activation time.

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► Carbon supported Mo2N catalysts were active for HDO of guaiacol.
► At 300 °C and 50 bar H2, major products were phenol and catechol.
► Catalyst properties and performance varied with support texture and chemistry.
► Catalyst activity was also sensitive to activation time.