Modification of activated carbon with different agents and catalytic performance of products obtained in the process of ethylbenzene dehydrogenation coupled with nitrobenzene hydrogenation

Coupling of oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene with nitrobenzene hydrogenation (ODE-N), over activated carbons catalysts, has been investigated. Activated carbon was prepared from cherry stones and modified with different chemical agents in the liquid phase (HNO3, CH3COOOH, H2O2, (NH4)2S2O8) or gas phase (air, hydrogen, ammonia) or was subjected to thermal treatment to obtain materials with different surface properties. The initial carbon and the modified samples were tested in the ODE-N process in temperatures 300–450 °C. All the carbon samples obtained were found to catalyse the ODE-N reaction leading to formation of two industrially important products: styrene and aniline. The catalyst deactivation, related to formation of carbonaceous deposit, was observed and this process was more rapid in elevated temperatures. No correlation was found between the yield of products obtained in the ODE-N reaction and the catalyst chemical composition.

► Ethylbenzene dehydrogenation coupled with nitrobenzene hydrogenation was investigated. ► Activated carbons prepared from cherry stones were used as catalysts. ► No correlation was noted between the activity and composition of catalysts.