Effect of surface acidity/basicity on the selective hydrogenation of maleic anhydride to succinic anhydride over supported nickel catalysts

The catalysts 60%Ni/Al2O3, 60%Ni/MgAlO and 60%Ni/MgO were prepared and used for the hydrogenation of maleic anhydride (MA) to succinic anhydride (SA). Characterization results showed that Ni particles were highly dispersed in the catalysts so that they possessed the high density of active Ni sites, and thus the high activities for the reaction. In particular, it was found that the surface acidity favored the conversion of MA on Ni, but was unfavorable for the selectivity to SA, while the surface basicity played the opposite role. The Ni/MgAlO exhibited the proper acidity and basicity and thus the excellent performance for the reaction.