SBA-15-supported ultrastable Mo2N@CN catalysts for hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol

Abstract

Mo2N@NC/SBA-15 with high stability and dispersion were prepared by employing MoCl5 and dicyandiamide as Mo and C/N sources, respectively. Mo2N was in situ formed while dicyandiamide was converted to N-doped carbon (NC) during the carbonization process under H2 at an elevated temperature. The generation of ultrafine Mo2N nanoparticles (NPs) is attributed to N-doped carbon species around Mo2N NPs, which prevents the aggregation of Mo2N NPs at high carbonization temperature. Mo2N@NC/SBA-15 catalysts exhibit high hydrodeoxygenation activity and aromatic compound selectivity. Product distribution is heavily influenced by the conditions under which the reactions occur. High pressure and elevated temperature are optimal for the formation of aromatic products. At 380 °C and 2 MPa, the selectivity to aromatic products reached up to 92%, with the guaiacol conversion reaching 99%.