Selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene over high-energy facets exposed nanotubular alumina supported palladium catalysts

High-energy facets exposed nanotubular alumina as well as conventional alumina supported Pd catalysts were synthesized and applied to the selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene. Novel alumina supported catalyst presented higher selectivity at complete conversion of phenylacetylene. This could be related to the well dispersion of Pd and strong metal-support interaction, which are the consequences of the unique structural properties of the crystal plane regulated alumina. It helps create more active sites for hydrogenation meanwhile facilitates the desorption of alkene and thus suppresses the excess hydrogenation towards ethylbenzene.

Automated summary

High-energy facets exposed nanotubular alumina and conventional alumina supported Pd catalysts were synthesized and applied to selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene. The novel alumina supported catalyst exhibited higher selectivity at complete conversion of phenylacetylene, which can be attributed to the well dispersion of Pd and strong metal-support interaction resulting from the unique structural properties of the crystal plane regulated alumina. It facilitates the creation of more active sites for hydrogenation, while promoting the desorption of alkenes and suppressing excessive hydrogenation towards ethylbenzene.