Promoting effect of CeO2 addition to Ni/AC catalyst for vapor phase carbonylation of ethanol to propionic acid

Ni/AC catalysts promoted with or without CeO2 for vapor phase carbonylation of ethanol to propionic acid were tested and investigated by CO chemisorption, XRD and H2-TPR techniques. The catalytic test results showed that the proper amount of CeO2 addition could remarkably enhance the activity and stability of Ni/AC catalyst. The characterization results indicated that CeO2 added can improve the dispersion and metal area of Ni on the catalyst, suppress the sintering of Ni crystallite and benefit the reduction of Ni, which are closely related to high performance of the Ni/AC catalyst promoted with CeO2.