A core-shell structured Si-Al@Al2O3 as novel support of Pd catalyst

Core-shell structured support is an effective way in eliminating mass transfer limitation for multiphase hydrogenation reactions. In this study, a downy Al2O3 layer with a specific surface area of 213.7 m(2)/g was generated in situ on Si-Al alloy via facile hot water etching technique. The downy surface is conducive in achieving a satisfactory dispersion of Pd particles with an average size of 5.5 nm. The core-shell structure and the moderate dispersion of Pd on Si-Al@Al2O3 support lead to a higher activity and selectivity in hydrogenation of styrene and consecutive hydrogenation of phenylacetylene than that on commercial Al2O3. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.