Novel application of thermally expanded graphite as the support of catalysts for direct synthesis of DMC from CH3OH and CO2

Novel Cu–Ni bimetallic catalysts supported on thermally expanded graphite (TEG) were prepared as an example to show the particular characteristics of TEG as a carbon support material. The structures of TEG and the synthesized Cu–Ni/TEG catalysts were characterized using BET, FTIR, TG, SEM, TEM, XRD and TPR techniques. The catalytic activities of the prepared catalysts were investigated by performing micro-reaction in the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CH3OH and CO2. The experimental results indicated that the prepared Cu–Ni/TEG catalysts exhibited highly catalytic activity. Under the optimal catalytic conditions at 100 °C and under 1.2 MPa, the highest conversion of CH3OH of 4.97% and high selectivity of DMC of 89.3% can be achieved. The highly catalytic activity of Cu–Ni/TEG in DMC synthesis can be attributed to the synergetic effects of metal Cu, Ni and Cu–Ni alloy in the activation of CH3OH and CO2 and the particular characteristics of TEG as a carbon support material.

Novel TEG supported Cu–Ni bimetallic catalyst was synthesized and utilized in the direct synthesis of DMC to illustrate the superior properties of TEG as a catalyst support.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide