Enhancing the catalytic performance of Pt/ZnO in the vapour phase hydrogenation of crotonaldehyde by the addition of Cr to the support

An impressive enhancement of the catalytic performance of platinum in the vapour phase selective hydrogenation of crotonaldehyde (2-butenal) has been achieved by modifying a ZnO support by addition of Cr(III) cations. The addition of chromium enhances the structural properties of the support (larger surface area) and increases its reducibility. The presence of chromium in the support enhanced the catalytic activity and the selectivity towards the unsaturated aldehyde in such a way that the Pt/Cr–ZnO catalyst showed the best results (in terms of yield and stability) published until now. The improved behaviour of this catalyst has been explained on the basis of the high support reducibility and a proper metal-support interaction.