Anisole Hydrodeoxygenation: A Comparative Study of Ni/TiO2-ZrO2 and Commercial TiO2 Supported Ni and NiRu Catalysts

This work aimed to determine the carrier effect on anisole hydrodeoxygenation (HDO, batch reactor at 573 K, and 4 MPa of H-2) on 5 wt% Ni catalysts on TiO2 and TiO2-ZrO2 carriers. Besides, a TiO2-supported Ru-doped catalyst was also tested. Differences in surface acid sites, Ni reducibility, oxygen vacancies, and interactions among metals and support were detected. For instance, Ru addition promoted Ni reducibility due to improved hydrogen adsorption and subsequent spillover effect. Methoxycyclohexane and cyclohexanol were the main products over Ni/TiO2. Ru incorporation increased the initial reaction rate (x3) compared with non-doped Ni/TiO2 favoring benzene selectivity. Ni/TiO2-ZrO2 exhibited higher HDO activity and enhanced acidity than the material supported on TiO2, and high deoxygenated compounds yield a fully hydrogenated compound (cyclohexane) as well. Therefore, it was possible to promote the desired reaction pathway to relevant chemical compounds that are associated with both the support type and the metallic phase composition.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the carrier effect on anisole hydrodeoxygenation on 5 wt% Ni catalysts supported on TiO2 and TiO2-ZrO2 carriers, with a Ru-doped catalyst also tested. Results showed that Ru incorporation promoted Ni reducibility and initial reaction rate, favoring benzene selectivity over Ni/TiO2. Ni/TiO2-ZrO2 exhibited higher HDO activity and enhanced acidity compared to Ni/TiO2, resulting in a fully hydrogenated compound (cyclohexane) yield.