Carbon nanotube supported nickel catalysts for anisole and cyclohexanone conversion in the presence of hydrogen and synthesis gas: Effect of plasma, acid, and thermal functionalization

Developing integrated processes to transform lignin-derived compounds into value-added products is a promising means for diminishing the aftereffects of conventional routes. Carbon nanotube supported catalysts are currently major trends. In this regard, the transformation of anisole and cyclohexanone by Carbon-nanotube-supported nickel catalysts in the presence of hydrogen and simulated lignin-derived synthesis gas is investigated. The effect of catalyst functionalization is also evaluated. Acid, thermal, and plasma methods are employed to functionalize the catalysts. The samples are evaluated at 400 degrees C and 20 bar. 83.7-86.4% and 70.1-75.4% of anisole conversions in hydrogen- and syngas-assisted reactions were managed, respectively. The highest conversions in the presence of hydrogen and syngas were obtained over the acid- and thermally-treated samples, respectively. Cyclohexanone, phenol, benzene, toluene, cresols, cyclohexene, and trimethylcyclohexane were the major products of anisole conversion. 88.5-90.8% and 79.7-87.7% of cyclohexanone conversions were managed by hydrogen- and syngas-assisted processes, respectively. Acid- and plasma-treated samples offered the highest conversions in the hydrogen- and syngas-assisted reactions, respectively. The major products of cyclohexanone conversion included cyclohexene, cyclohexanol, cresols, benzene, and phenol. The results of the present study demonstrated that an integrated lignin-based process can be managed for the production of chemicals from lignin-derived syngas, catalyst, and bio-oil.

Automated summary

The study investigated the transformation of anisole and cyclohexanone by Carbon-nanotube-supported nickel catalysts in the presence of hydrogen and simulated lignin-derived synthesis gas. Different functionalization methods of the catalysts led to varying conversion rates under different conditions.