Abstract
This study describes the use of new ZnO/PAAH hybrid nanomaterials (PAAH = polyacrylic acid) as copper catalyst supports for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol. A study of the synthesis parameters (washing process, temperatures of synthesis and calcination) of these hybrid supports has allowed us to vary their morphology and specific surface area and ultimately the sizes and dispersion of the copper nanoparticles, and to perform a general analysis of their effects on the catalytic performance of the materials. All catalysts were synthesized by the urea deposition-precipitation method (DPU) and were fully characterized to establish a structure–activity relationship. Optimization of the synthesis and catalytic conditions allowed remarkable yields/conversions of the order of 70% for selectivities in 1,2 propanediol of 90%.
Highlights
Introduction for CopperBased Catalysts in the Glycerol is largely produced during the transesterification of vegetable oils in the case of biofuel production (10 molecules of glycerol for 1 molecule of biodiesel) with a production expected to reach 41 million m3 in 2022 [1]
In the case of ZnO/PAAX systems (PAA2 and PAA5), we decided to optimize firstly the washing step, in terms of specific surface area, on samples prepared at 20 ◦ C in order to be able to discriminate in a relevant way the other synthesis parameters such as temperature of synthesis or calcination
Washing steps are known to be an important step in the synthesis of hybrid nanoparticles as they can affect the specific surface area by removing organic matter that would not be effectively grafted onto the surface
Summary
The nature of the support plays a major role on the properties of the resulting catalyst. Beyond its acid-base or redox properties, one of its primary functions is to ensure the greatest possible dispersion of the catalyst, the frequent search for a support with a high specific surface area. This can be related either to a decrease in size or to a modification of the morphology of the support
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