Structure and surface characteristics of Fe-promoted Ni/Al2O3 catalysts for hydrogenation of 1,4-butynediol to 1,4-butenediol in a slurry-bed reactor

Abstract

A series of nanostructured Ni–xFe/Al₂O₃ catalysts with different Fe doping concentrations (x = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 wt%) were prepared by the sol–gel combustion (SGC) synthesis method. The Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts with introduced Fe exhibited higher activity and stability for the hydrogenation of 1,4-butynediol to 1,4-butenediol, compared to Ni/Al₂O₃. The effects of Fe loading on the physicochemical properties of Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts as well as their catalytic performances for 1,4-butynediol hydrogenation to 1,4-butenediol were studied in detail. The improved catalytic performances of Ni–xFe/Al₂O₃ over that of Ni/Al₂O₃ were ascribed to the varied metal–support interaction and active site dispersion, as well as the formation of NiFe₂O₄. Given that more β₁-type NiO phase was formed with the doping of Fe, the Ni–3Fe/Al₂O₃ catalyst reached the highest activity and stability.