Study of promoted Cu/ZnO and Cu/ZrO catalysts for dimethyl adipate hydrogenolysis

• Published in: Catalysis science & technology 2024-09, Vol.14 (18), p.5364-5374
• Main Authors: Aubrecht, Jaroslav, Pospelova, Violetta, Saha, Sharmistha, Lhotka, Miloslav, Paterová, Iva, Kubi ka, David
• Format: Article
• ISSN: 2044-4753; 2044-4761
• DOI: 10.1039/d4cy00686k

Two supports (ZnO, ZrO 2 ) and four promoters (Al 2 O 3 , ZnO, CoO x , NiO) were investigated to design environmentally-friendly Cu-based hydrogenolysis catalysts. Both catalyst characterization and activity in dimethyl adipate hydrogenolysis were described. While ZrO 2 improved the reducibility of CuO nanoparticles, these particles were less stable under reaction conditions. ZnO provided better stabilization and reduced coke formation. CoO x , used as a promoter, increased the surface availability of dissociated H 2 and stabilized Cu nanoparticles with a high surface area. Conversely, Al 2 O 3 or NiO promoters improved neither catalyst performance nor selectivity due to the higher number of acid-base sites. The essential role of ZnO, whether used as support or a single promoter, was attributed to Cu-ZnO synergy that enhanced the activity in dimethyl adipate hydrogenolysis and improved desired selectivity to hexane-1,6-diol. Overall, the hydrogenolysis activity (TOF H ) was 5 times higher for ZnO-supported catalysts. Two supports (ZnO, ZrO 2 ) and four promoters (Al 2 O 3 , ZnO, CoO x , NiO) were investigated to design environmentally-friendly Cu-based hydrogenolysis catalysts.