Mesoporous Ni/Al-MCM-41 catalysts for highly active and selective hydrodeoxygenation of anisole to cyclohexane

Ni/Al-MCM-41(x) catalysts were synthesized and tested in the hydrodeoxygenation of anisole as a model compound of bio-oil. Prepared catalysts behave as bifunctional metal-acid catalysts combining the metal function of the reduced Ni nanoparticles with the acid function of the Al-MCM-41 supports. Nickel loading in the catalysts was maintained constant (5 wt%), while Al content in the supports was varied (Si/Al molar ratios x = 120, 90, 60 and 30). The Ni/Al-MCM-41(x) catalysts showed significantly higher hydrodeoxygenation activities than the reference Ni/Al2O3 and the Ni/MCM-41 catalyst without Al. In addition, they showed high selectivity towards the formation of the deoxygenated products, with more than 96% selectivity to cyclohexane. The best activity and selectivity results were obtained with the Ni/Al-MCM-41(90) catalyst. This result was attributed to an optimum balance of metal and acid sites, both of which participate in different steps of anisole hydrodeoxygenation and generate a synergistic effect.

Automated summary

Ni/Al-MCM-41(x) catalysts with varying Si/Al ratios were synthesized and tested in the hydrodeoxygenation of anisole. The catalysts exhibited higher activities and selectivities compared to reference catalysts without Al. The optimal performance was achieved with the Ni/Al-MCM-41(90) catalyst, attributed to a synergistic effect between metal and acid sites.