Catalysts with noble metals based on super-cross-linked polystyrene for the hydrogenation of aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

A series of catalysts containing noble metals on a super-cross-linked polystyrene (SCP) support with a developed specific surface area (>1000 m2/g) and high thermal stability are prepared and studied to develop an effective catalyst for the low-temperature hydrogenation of aromatic hydrocarbons. A study of Pt- and Pd-containing catalysts based on SCP, carbon supports, and alumina in the hydrogenation of simple (benzene, toluene), branched (n-butylbenzene) and polycyclic (terphenyl) aromatic compounds is conducted. In the hydrogenation of aromatic hydrocarbons, the activity of the catalysts on SCP is comparable to or surpasses analogous catalysts based on Al2O3 and Sibunit in the content of noble metals; it is established that catalysts on SCP have greater selectivity in the hydrogenation of benzene in a benzene-toluene mixture. The electronic state of metals in the Pt(Pd)/SCP catalysts is studied by the IR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO. In testing the catalysts in the hydrogenation of terphenyl, it is found that Pt-containing catalyst on the SCP can operate in reversible hydrogenation-dehydrogenation cycles (terphenyl-tercyclohexane); this is promising for the use of such catalyst systems in creating composite materials for hydrogen storage.