Ni-Ti Intercalated and Supported Bentonite for Selective Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde

Ni-Ti intercalated bentonite catalysts (Ni-Ti-bentonite) and Ni-TiO2 supported bentonite catalysts (Ni-TiO2/bentonite) were prepared, and the effects of Ni-Ti supported and intercalated bentonite on the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde were investigated. Ni-Ti intercalated bentonite enhanced the Bronsted acid sites strength, decreased the acid amount and Lewis's acid sites strength, which inhibited the activation of the C=O bond and contributed to selective hydrogenation of the C=C bond. When Ni-TiO2 was supported on bentonite, the acid amount and Lewis's acid strength of the catalyst increased, providing additional adsorption sites and increased the acetals byproducts. Due to the higher surface area, mesoporous volume, and suitable acidity, compared with Ni-TiO2/bentonite in methanol solvent, 2 MPa, 120 degrees C for 1 h, Ni-Ti-bentonite exhibited a higher cinnamaldehyde (CAL) conversion of 98.8 %, as well as a higher hydrocinnamaldehyde (HCAL) selectivity of 95 %, and no acetals were found in the product.

Automated summary

The effects of Ni-Ti supported and intercalated bentonite on the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde were investigated. Ni-Ti intercalated bentonite enhanced the strength of Bronsted acid sites and inhibited the activation of the C=O bond, contributing to the selective hydrogenation of the C=C bond. In contrast, when Ni-TiO2 was supported on bentonite, the acid strength of the catalyst increased, leading to the formation of acetals as byproducts. Ni-Ti-bentonite exhibited higher conversion of cinnamaldehyde and selectivity towards hydrocinnamaldehyde compared to Ni-TiO2/bentonite.