Synthesis of dimethyl carbonate over starch-based Carbon-supported Cu nanoparticles catalysts

Carbon-supported Cu (Cu/C) catalyst was prepared from Cu(NO3)2 and starch, by the sol-gel method, subsequent high temperature carbonization and KOH activation. Catalyst samples were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, N2 adsorption-desorption and CO temperature-programmed desorption. Their catalytic performance in the oxidative carbonylation of methanol to dimethyl carbonate (DMC) in a fixed-bed reactor was investigated. The activation temperature and KOH content greatly influenced the catalyst microstructure and catalytic performance. The Cu/C catalyst prepared at activation temperature of 850 °C and KOH/C mass ratio of 1 exhibited the best catalytic activity. Its specific surface area and mean Cu particle size were 1690 m2/g and 30.4 nm, respectively. The space time yield was 235.7 mg·g−1·h−1, and the methanol conversion and selectivity for DMC were 1.6% and 76.5%, respectively.

Graphical AbstractCarbon-supported copper nanocatalysts (Cu/C) were prepared from Cu(NO3)2 and starch by the sol-gel method, followed by high temperature carbonization and KOH activation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide