Abstract
Silica–phosphate-supported copper catalyst was prepared by neutralization of sodium silicate with orthophosphoric acid followed by the addition of copper nitrate. The precipitated catalyst was dried and calcined at 550 °C for 4 h. The calcined powder was activated in hydrogen atmosphere at 400 °C for 4 h based on temperature-programmed reduction result. XRD analysis of the calcined catalyst showed the presence of CuO nanoparticles along with new phases CuHPO4·H2O and P4O7. But after reduction, metallic copper nanoparticles along with Cu4O3, Cu2O and χ-P2O5 phases were formed. The higher loading of copper (40 wt%) showed more Lewis acid sites than BrOnsted acid sites determined by pyridine–FTIR analysis. The high Lewis acid sites increased the acetol selectivity for 100% glycerol conversion at 220 °C for 3 h of reaction in atmospheric pressure. The yield of maximum distilled product (80%) was achieved for the highest copper loading catalyst. The high yield of the liquid product was due to the low tendency of copper atom towards the breakage of the C–C bond during dehydration reactions.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
