Preparation, characterization, and performance of a novel fixed-bed Raney catalyst

Abstract

A new type of fixed-bed Raney catalyst has been prepared. The process, presented in this article, involves extruding a Raney alloy powder with a polymer and plasticizer, removing the plasticizer, calcining the extrudates in air at a temperature greater than 1173 K to form an {alpha}-alumina matrix, and leaching out the aluminum with caustic. The Raney nickel extrudates prepared by this method show a higher activity than commercial Ni/SiO{sub 2}, Ni/SiO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, and granular Raney Ni catalysts in vapor-phase and trickle flow toluene hydrogenation.