In situ activated CoAg bimetallic catalyst for selective hydrodeoxygenation of syringol to cyclohexanol

Abstract

Development of highly effective catalysts for selective hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of syringol, a model compound of lignin, to cyclohexanol (CYHAOL) is a challenge due to the intricate molecular structure of syringol. Herein, we have synthesized an in–situ activated cobalt–silver bimetallic catalyst, CoAg/SiO2, through a simple incipient–wetness impregnation method. The catalyst without pre–reduction treatment attained a complete conversion with 93.8 mol% CYHAOL selectivity under moderate reaction conditions. Characterizations including HRTEM, XPS, XRD, NH3–TPD, and H2–TPR unanimously revealed the structure–activity relationship of the catalyst. In the reaction system, Ag promoted the in–situ reduction of Co3O4 to form a polycrystalline–structure complex (CoOx) containing oxygen vacancies. Ag also combines with Co to construct strong acid sites. The synergy of CoOx, oxygen vacancies, Ag, and acid sites demonstrates a high–efficiency HDO of syringol to CYHAOL. CoAg/SiO2 exonerates the pre–reduction treatment, simplifying the preparation and maintenance process and preventing severe sintering of the metals.