Oxidation of Cyclohexane using Copper-Nickel Catalyst

The copper-nickel oxide catalyst was prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method for the selective oxidation of cyclohexane. The catalysts 25Cu(100-x)Ni(x)/Al2O3 were characterized by surface area, XRD, H-2-TPR, FE-SEM, and Raman spectra analysis. The investigation revealed that an optimum ratio of copper to nickel, calcination temperature of the catalyst, and the suitable support play a crucial role in converting cyclohexane, and yield of product (KA oil). The catalyst 25Cu(50)Ni(50)/Al2O3 showed a significantly higher conversion of cyclohexane compared to a single-metal oxide catalyst. The enhancements of conversion by the bimetallic oxides catalyst were due to the synergistic effect of copper-nickel bimetallic oxides. The support also plays a significant role in the increase in conversion of cyclohexane, and the order of KA oil selectivity followed as 25Cu(50)Ni(50)/Al2O3 > 25Cu(50)Ni(50)/SiO2 > 25Cu(50)Ni(50)/MgO.

Automated summary

The copper-nickel oxide catalyst prepared by incipient wetness impregnation method showed higher conversion of cyclohexane compared to single-metal oxide catalyst, attributed to the synergistic effect of copper-nickel bimetallic oxides. The support also played a significant role in increasing the conversion of cyclohexane.