The use of titania- and iron oxide-supported gold catalysts for the hydrogenation of propyne

Propyne hydrogenation over titania-supported and iron oxide-supported gold catalysts has been investigated under pulse-flow conditions. The two catalysts exhibit different catalytic profiles. The Au/TiO2 catalyst displayed complete selectivity to propene and progressive deactivation, whereas Au/Fe2O3 exhibited selectivities and deactivation patterns dependent on ageing, catalyst pre-treatment and reaction temperature. These results suggest significant differences in the active surfaces of these two catalysts, due to the interaction of the gold metal with the support. The activity of gold catalysts can be modified by the selection of the oxide support and pre-treatment to produce catalysts completely selective to the partially hydrogenated product.