Novel microfibrous‐structured silver catalyst for high efficiency gas‐phase oxidation of alcohols

Abstract

AbstractNovel microfibrous‐structured silver catalysts were developed for gas‐phase selective oxidation of mono‐/aromatic‐/di‐alcohols. Sinter‐locked three‐dimensional microfibrous networks consisting of 5 vol % 8‐μm‐Ni (or 12‐μm‐SS‐316L) fibers and 95 vol % void volume were built up by the papermaking/sintering processes. Silver was then deposited onto the surface of the sinter‐locked fibers by incipient wetness impregnation method. At relatively low temperatures (e.g., 380°C), the microfibrous‐structured silver catalysts provided quite higher activity/selectivity compared to the electrolytic silver. The microfibrous Ag/Ni‐fiber offered much better low‐temperature activity than the Ag/SS‐fiber. The interaction at Ag particles and Ni‐fiber interface not only visibly increased the active/selective sites of Ag+ ions and Agnδ+ clusters but also significantly promoted their low‐temperature reducibility and ability for O2 activation. In addition, the microfibrous structure provided a unique combination of large void volume, entirely open structure, high thermal conductivity and high permeability. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010