Synthesis of Au/C Catalysts by Ultrasonic-Assisted Technique for Vinyl Chloride Monomer Production

Abstract

In the present work, the ultrasonic-assisted technique is applied to synthesize Au/C catalysts for vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production via acetylene hydrochlorination. The catalytic performance of the obtained catalysts is compared with that of the catalyst prepared by a conventional incipient wetness impregnation technique. It was found that all the prepared catalysts show high VCM selectivity (>99.5%). The use of the ultrasonic-assisted technique can significantly improve the catalytic activity and stability of the synthesized Au/C catalysts. An ultrasonic driven time of 6 hours is found to be a promising catalyst for commercial application regarding the catalyst stability. In addition, the effect of operating parameters is investigated. Suitable operating temperature and HCl/C2H2 feed ratio are 180oC and 1.1, respectively.