Selective hydrogenation of mixed alkyne/alkene streams at elevated pressure over a palladium sulfide catalyst

Same size, same support, same spectator? Selective acetylene hydrogenation on supported Pd nanoparticles

The selective hydrogenation of acetylene catalyzed by Pd nanoparticles is industrially used to increase the purity of ethylene. Despite the implementation of Pd based catalysts on an industrial scale, little is known about metal-support interactions on a fundamental level due to the complexity of these systems. In this study, the influence of metal-support interactions between Pd nanoparticles and two electronically modified a-SiO2 thin films on acetylene hydrogenation is investigated under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions. The hydrogenation is performed under isothermal reaction conditions using a pulsed molecular beam reactive scattering (pMBRS) technique. Besides the activity and selectivity of clean Pd particles also the impact of dehydrogenated species intentionally introduced a priori is elucidated, whereas the active phase of the catalyst is additionally characterized by CO infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) and post-mortem temperature-programmed reaction (TPR). Metal-support interactions are found to influence the catalytic properties of Pd particles by charge-transfer, where positive charging leads to increased activity for acetylene hydrogenation. However, the increased activity is accompanied by formation of undesired byproducts. The active sites for acetylene and ethylene hydrogenation are shown to be different as previously proposed by the A and E model. The availability of the two different active sites on the Pd nanoparticles is determined by dehydrogenated species, whose nature and stability can be tuned by metal-support interactions. Based on these findings an electronic model is proposed how selectivity for acetylene hydrogenation can be steered solely by metal-support interactions leading to blocking of unselective sites in situ.

In Situ DRIFTS Analysis during Hydrogenation of 1-Pentyne and Olefin Purification with Ag Nanoparticles

The catalytic performance of nanoparticles (NPs) of Ag anchored on different supports was evaluated during the selective hydrogenation of 1-pentyne and the purification of a mixture of 1-pentene/1-pentyne (70/30 vol %). The catalysts were identified: Ag/Al (Ag supported on ɣ-Al2 O3 ), Ag/Al-Mg (Ag supported on ɣ-Al2 O3 modified with Mg), Ag/Ca (Ag supported on CaCO3 ) and Ag/RX3 (Ag supported on activated carbon-type: RX3). In addition, in situ DRIFTS analysis of 1-pentyne adsorption on each support, catalyst, and 1-pentyne hydrogenation were investigated. The results showed that the synthesized catalysts were active and very selective (≥85 %) for obtaining the desired product (1-pentene). Different adsorbed species (-C≡C- and -C=C-) were observed on the supports and catalysts surface using in situ DRIFT analysis, which can be correlated to the activity and high selectivity reached. The role of the supports and electronic properties over Ag improve the H2 dissociative chemisorption during the hydrogenation reactions; promoting the selectivity and the high catalytic performance. Ag/Al and Ag/Al-Mg were the most active catalysts. This was due to the synergism between the active Ag/Ag+ species and the supports (electronic effects). The results show that Ag/Al and Ag/Al-Mg catalysts have favorable properties and are promising for the alkyne hydrogenation and olefin purification reactions.

Hydrogen Bond Network Induced by Surface Ligands Shifts the Semi-hydrogenation Selectivity over Palladium Catalysts

Tuning the metal-ligand interfaces of heterogeneous catalysts has emerged as an effective strategy to optimize their catalytic performance. However, improving the selectivity via organic modification remains a challenge so far. In this work, we demonstrate a simple ligand modification by preparing cysteamine-coated ultrathin palladium nanosheets. The as-prepared catalyst exhibits excellent selectivity with durability during catalytic hydrogenation of terminal alkynes, superior to most previously reported ligand-protected palladium catalysts. Further study reveals that a zwitterionic transformation occurs on the palladium interface under the H₂ conditions, generating a rigid hydrogen bond network. Such an unexpected effect beyond the traditional steric effect derived from van der Waals interactions makes the catalytic surface favor the hydrogenation of alkynes over alkenes without significantly sacrificing the catalytic activity. These results not only provide a unique steric effect concept for surface coordination chemistry but also provide a practical application to improve the selectivity and activity comprehensively.

Metal Sites in Zeolites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalysis

Zeolites with ordered microporous systems, distinct framework topologies, good spatial nanoconfinement effects, and superior (hydro)thermal stability are an ideal scaffold for planting diverse active metal species, including single sites, clusters, and nanoparticles in the framework and framework-associated sites and extra-framework positions, thus affording the metal-in-zeolite catalysts outstanding activity, unique shape selectivity, and enhanced stability and recyclability in the processes of Brønsted acid-, Lewis acid-, and extra-framework metal-catalyzed reactions. Especially, thanks to the advances in zeolite synthesis and characterization techniques in recent years, zeolite-confined extra-framework metal catalysts (denoted as metal@zeolite composites) have experienced rapid development in heterogeneous catalysis, owing to the combination of the merits of both active metal sites and zeolite intrinsic properties. In this review, we will present the recent developments of synthesis strategies for incorporating and tailoring of active metal sites in zeolites and advanced characterization techniques for identification of the location, distribution, and coordination environment of metal species in zeolites. Furthermore, the catalytic applications of metal-in-zeolite catalysts are demonstrated, with an emphasis on the metal@zeolite composites in hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, and oxidation reactions. Finally, we point out the current challenges and future perspectives on precise synthesis, atomic level identification, and practical application of the metal-in-zeolite catalyst system.

Synthesis and Characterization of Ag/Al2O3 Catalysts for the Hydrogenation of 1-Octyne and the Preferential Hydrogenation of 1-Octyne vs 1-Octene

Catalysts featuring 2, 5, and 10 wt % silver supported on alumina were prepared by the deposition precipitation method and activated under hydrogen. All catalysts were characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy (BSE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), hydrogen-temperature-programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), H₂-chemisorption, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and isopropylamine (IPA) TPD and evaluated in a continuous plug flow fixed-bed reactor. Metal nanoparticles with average sizes of 4.5, 11.5, and 21.1 nm were identified by HR-TEM for the 2, 5, and 10 wt % Ag/Al₂O₃ catalysts, respectively. A conversion of 99% was observed for 1-octyne over particles between 10 and 15 nm in size, with stable operation up to 24 h (decreasing thereafter) at a temperature of 140 °C and a pressure of 30 bar in the competitive hydrogenation reaction. No conversion of 1-octene was noted in competitive reactions (mixed 1-octyne and 1-octene feed) but rather a gain of 1-octene throughout the 72 h time-on-stream. The performance of all catalysts was influenced by both the metal and support, where the latter impacted the overall acidity of the catalysts, thus affecting their long-term stability.

Unraveling High Alkene Selectivity at Full Conversion in Alkyne Hydrogenation over Ni under Continuous Flow Conditions

Selective hydrogenation of alkynes into alkenes in continuous flow conditions over non-precious metal catalysts is an attractive prospect for the chemical industry, especially for the petrochemical and polymer industry. Achieving...

Selectivity of the Lindlar catalyst in alkyne semi-hydrogenation: a direct liquid-phase adsorption study

Pd catalysts contain active sites that strongly adsorb alkyne and alkene molecules. The presence of the latter, alkene sites, defines the low semi-hydrogenation selectivity.

The Immobilization of Pd(II) on Porous Organic Polymers for Semihydrogenation of Terminal Alkynes

Highly selective catalytic hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes is a highly important reaction owing to its industrial and commercial application. Specifically, semihydrogenation of terminal alkynes has been more challenging than internal alkenes even using Lindlar catalysts. Also, the high reduction degree state metal-supported catalysts like Pd⁰/C, Pt⁰/C, and Ru⁰/C have been well-known to be used widely in hydrogenation due to their super activity. However, charcoal can absorb a large amount of water; Pd/C with 50% water is convenient on a large-scale synthesis. Charcoal generally bears oxygen groups on its surface, which are responsible for low selectivity and undesired products. Even typically, only 10-60% of the Pd metal atoms are exposed, they still suffer from poor stability in acids owing to leaching. Herein, we intend to design active and stable metal catalysts with features as the following to avoid leaching: having strong interaction with the support and coordinatively unsaturated metal sites or low valence state metals physically isolated from the acid environment. Herein, a highly efficient semihydrogenation of terminal alkynes to produce alkenes has been realized using a heterogeneous Pd(II)/POP-GIEC catalyst, imine-linked, crystalline, and porous organic polymer supporter modified by coordination of Pd(OAc)₂ to its walls under mild conditions. Surprisingly, for the first time, modified POP-supported low reduction degree Pd^II catalysts were synthesized efficiently, and they were successfully used in semihydrogenation of terminal alkynes. The substrate scope was studied and included both unfunctionalized as well as functionalized substituents on the para, ortho, and meta position of aromatic alkynes. The substrate having a substituent with the functionality of fluoro protected at the meta position was semihydrogenated with a high alkyne conversion of 100% and olefin selectivity (up to 99%).

Manipulating interstitial carbon atoms in the nickel octahedral site for highly efficient hydrogenation of alkyne

Light elements in the interstitial site of transition metals have strong influence on heterogeneous catalysis via either expression of surface structures or even direct participation into reaction. Interstitial atoms are generally metastable with a strong environmental dependence, setting up giant challenges in controlling of heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, we show that the desired carbon atoms can be manipulated within nickel (Ni) lattice for improving the selectivity in acetylene hydrogenation reaction. The radius of octahedral space of Ni is expanded from 0.517 to 0.524 Å via formation of Ni₃Zn, affording the dissociated carbon atoms to readily dissolve and diffuse at mild temperatures. Such incorporated carbon atoms coordinate with the surrounding Ni atoms for generation of Ni₃ZnC_0.7 and thereof inhibit the formation of subsurface hydrogen structures. Thus, the selectivity and stability are dramatically improved, as it enables suppressing the pathway of ethylene hydrogenation and restraining the accumulation of carbonaceous species on surface.

Selective Hydrogenation of Acetylene over Pd-Mn/Al2O3 Catalysts

Novel bimetallic Pd-Mn/Al2O3 catalysts are designed by the decomposition of cyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (cymantrene) on reduced Pd/Al2O3 in an H2 atmosphere. The peculiarities of cymantrene decomposition on palladium and, thus, the formation of bimetallic Pd-Mn catalysts are studied. The catalysts are characterized by N2 adsorption, H2 pulse chemisorption, temperature-programmed desorption of hydrogen (TPD-H2), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The modified catalysts show the changed hydrogen chemisorption properties and the absence of weakly bonded hydrogen. Using an organomanganese precursor provides an uniform Mn distribution on the catalyst surface. Tested in hydrogenation of acetylene, the catalysts show both higher activity and selectivity to ethylene (20% higher) compared to the non-modified Pd/Al2O3 catalyst. The influence of the addition of Mn and temperature treatment on catalyst performance is studied. The optimal Mn content and treatment temperature are found. It is established that modification with Mn changes the route of acetylene hydrogenation from a consecutive scheme for Pd/Al2O3 to parallel one for the Pd-Mn samples. The reaction rate shows zero overall order by reagents for all tested catalysts.

The catalytic effects of sulfur in ethane dehydroaromatization

In this work, we investigated the catalytic effect of adding sulfur on Zn/ZSM-5 catalyst for direct conversion of ethane to aromatics. We show that the continuous addition of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) effectively stabilizes zinc, prevents coking and results in a highly selective and stable catalyst. Considering the high content of sulfur in shale gas resources, these results highlight the importance of investigating catalysts under realistic operating conditions.

Selectivity boost in partial hydrogenation of acetylene via atomic dispersion of platinum over ceria

High-throughput flame spray pyrolysis affords a low-loading Pt catalyst supported on cerium oxide, which is an excellent material for selective C₂H₂ semihydrogenation at 180 °C, with near-complete conversion and high selectivity towards C₂H₄ (87.1%).

Support morphology-dependent alloying behaviour and interfacial effects of bimetallic Ni-Cu/CeO2 catalysts

The dependence of alloying behavior and interfacial effects on the support morphology is revealed, in which homogeneous Ni–Cu nanoalloys were induced by polyhedron ceria.

The impregnation method is commonly employed to prepare supported multi-metallic catalysts but it is often difficult to achieve homogeneous and stable alloy structures. In this work, we revealed the dependence of alloying behavior on the support morphology by fabricating Ni–Cu over different shaped CeO₂. Specifically, nanocube ceria favoured the formation of monometallic Cu and Ni-rich phases whereas polycrystalline and nanorod ceria induced the formation of a mixture of Cu-rich alloys with monometallic Ni. Surprisingly, nanopolyhedron (NP) ceria led to the generation of homogeneous Ni–Cu nanoalloys owing to the equivalent interactions of Ni and Cu species with CeO₂ (111) facets which exposed relatively few coordinative unsaturated sites. More importantly, a strong interfacial effect was observed for Ni–Cu/CeO₂-NP due to the presence of CeO_x adjacent to metal sites at the interface, resulting in excellent stability of the alloy structure. With the aid of CeO_x, NiCu nanoalloys showed outstanding catalytic behaviour in acetylene and hexyne hydrogenation reactions. This study provides valuable insights into how fully alloyed and stable catalysts may be prepared by tailoring the support morphology while still employing a universal impregnation method.

Selective ensembles in supported palladium sulfide nanoparticles for alkyne semi-hydrogenation

Ensemble control has been intensively pursued for decades to identify sustainable alternatives to the Lindlar catalyst (PdPb/CaCO3) applied for the partial hydrogenation of alkynes in industrial organic synthesis. Although the geometric and electronic requirements are known, a literature survey illustrates the difficulty of transferring this knowledge into an efficient and robust catalyst. Here, we report a simple treatment of palladium nanoparticles supported on graphitic carbon nitride with aqueous sodium sulfide, which directs the formation of a nanostructured Pd3S phase with controlled crystallographic orientation, exhibiting unparalleled performance in the semi-hydrogenation of alkynes in the liquid phase. The exceptional behavior is linked to the multifunctional role of sulfur. Apart from defining a structure integrating spatially-isolated palladium trimers, the active ensembles, the modifier imparts a bifunctional mechanism and weak binding of the organic intermediates. Similar metal trimers are also identified in Pd4S, evidencing the pervasiveness of these selective ensembles in supported palladium sulfides.