Investigation of the structural evolution and catalytic performance of the CuZnAl catalysts in the hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate to ethylene glycol

Hydrogenation of Carboxylic Acids, Esters, and Related Compounds over Heterogeneous Catalysts: A Step toward Sustainable and Carbon-Neutral Processes

The catalytic hydrogenation of esters and carboxylic acids represents a fundamental and important class of organic transformations, which is widely applied in energy, environmental, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries. Due to the low reactivity of the carbonyl group in carboxylic acids and esters, this type of reaction is, however, rather challenging. Hence, specifically active catalysts are required to achieve a satisfactory yield. Nevertheless, in recent years, remarkable progress has been made on the development of catalysts for this type of reaction, especially heterogeneous catalysts, which are generally dominating in industry. Here in this review, we discuss the recent breakthroughs as well as milestone achievements for the hydrogenation of industrially important carboxylic acids and esters utilizing heterogeneous catalysts. In addition, related catalytic hydrogenations that are considered of importance for the development of cleaner energy technologies and a circular chemical industry will be discussed in detail. Special attention is paid to the insights into the structure-activity relationship, which will help the readers to develop rational design strategies for the synthesis of more efficient heterogeneous catalysts.

Effect of calcination temperature on the Cu–ZrO2 interfacial structure and its catalytic behavior in the hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate

The 5 wt% Cu/ZrO2 catalysts showed satisfying performance in DMO hydrogenation to EG via simply tuning the calcination temperature. The synergistic effect of the Cu0–Cu+–ZrO2 interface in activating H2 molecules and carbonyl bonds was elucidated.

Effect of Cu loading on the structural evolution and catalytic activity of Cu–Mg/ZnO catalysts for dimethyl oxalate hydrogenation

Proper Cu loading introduced into the Cu–Mg/ZnO system facilitates strengthening of the Cu–Zn synergistic effect and optical surface chemical properties.

Effect of Aging Methods on CuZnAl Catalysts for Methyl Acetate Hydrogenation

A series of CuZnAl catalysts derived from layered double hydroxide precursors with different Cu/Zn molar ratios were synthesised by a co-precipitation method for methyl acetate hydrogenation. The best catalytic performance was obtained when the Cu/Zn molar ratio reached 0.25:1. After fixing the Cu/Zn molar ratio at 0.25:1, the effect of aging methods, including ultrasound, high shear mixer stirring, and magnetic stirring, were investigated, which showed that 0.25CuZnAl-u and 0.25CuZnAl-h exhibited a higher conversion and selectivity than that of 0.25CuZnAl-m, especially under low reaction temperatures. The physicochemical properties of the CuZnAl catalysts were characterised by X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy, N2 physisorption, N2O chemisorption, transmission electron microscopy, H2-temperature-programmed reduction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and H2-temperature-programmed desorption. It was found that compared with 0.25CuZnAl-m, 0.25CuZnAl-u and 0.25CuZnAl-h possessed a stronger interaction between Cu and the support, smaller copper particle size, and higher copper dispersion, which improved the catalytic performance.

Recent progress in improving the stability of copper-based catalysts for hydrogenation of carbon–oxygen bonds

Five different strategies to enhance the stability of Cu-based catalysts for hydrogenation of C–O bonds are summarized in this review.

Synthesis of Cu–Mg/ZnO catalysts and catalysis in dimethyl oxalate hydrogenation to ethylene glycol: enhanced catalytic behavior in the presence of a Mg2+ dopant

Mg²⁺ doped nanoscale Cu–Mg/ZnO catalysts prepared by the co-precipitation method have been systematically characterized focusing on the amount of Mg²⁺ ions incorporated.

Continuous heterogeneous hydrogenation of CO2-derived dimethyl carbonate to methanol over a Cu-based catalyst

Copper content played a significant role in the catalytic performance of Cu/SiO₂ catalysts in dimethyl carbonate hydrogenation to methanol. Optimized hydrogenation activity was achieved over the 40Cu/SiO₂ sample.

Remarkable crystal phase effect of Cu/TiO2catalysts on the selective hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate

Crystal phase of titania support plays an important role in catalytic hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate. Optimized catalytic performance was achieved for the Cu/P25 due to the intimate metal support interaction.