The catalytic activity of Sulfided Ni/W/TiO2 (anatase) for the hydrodeoxygenation of Guaiacol

• The hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol represents the chemical upgrading of bio-oils.
• Sulfided Ni/W/TiO2 (anatase) was applied to the hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol.
• A high yield of cyclohexane was obtained with sulfided Ni/W/TiO2.
• The sulfided catalyst activity depended on the state of tungstate and sulfides.

This study investigated the catalytic activities of sulfided Ni/W/TiO2 (anatase) catalysts for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of guaiacol (2-methoxyphenol), which is a model compound for bio-oils derived from lignocellulosic biomass. The HDO activity of the catalysts was governed by the physicochemical states of the tungstate layer and the sulfides on the surface. We observed that the molecular structure of tungstate, the sulfidation degree of the tungstate layer and the number and intrinsic activity of sulfur sites are the crucial factors that determine the HDO activity of sulfided Ni/W/TiO2 (anatase) catalysts. The best activity was observed for sulfided 2 wt.% Ni/12 wt.% W/TiO2 (anatase), which exhibited 100% guaiacol conversion and a 16% C1-based yield of cyclohexane.

The catalytic hydrogenation (HDO) of guaiacol was investigated over catalysts at 300 °C and 7 MPa of hydrogen. The sulfided Ni/W/TiO2 (anatase) catalyst showed the highest HDO activity, which was governed by the physicochemical state of the tungstate layer and the sulfides on the surface.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (130 K)Download as PowerPoint slide