The Effects of Modifying the Catalytically Active Phase Through Ni Impregnation of the Cu-Ru Catalyst on Carbon Support in Nitrobenzene Hydrogenation

Abstract

We report herein on the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene over 5%Cu-1%Ru/C and 5%Cu-1%Ru-8%Ni/C catalysts respectively, using a pilot laboratory installation and their performances in order to outline the effect of Ni addition in the Cu and Ru-based catalyst. The experiments were performed on beds of catalyst extrudate, with a volume of 40 cm3, for a range of temperatures from 45 to 75�C, pressures from 1 to 4 MPa, space velocities from 0.2-0.6h-1, feed ratio H2/C6H5NO2=10/1mol/mol. The performances were evaluated based on conversion values of nitrobenzene and the yields of the most significant reaction products, both of which were assessed through analyses of raw materials and reaction products by GC-MS. Although Ni is widely known as a common catalyst for hydrogenation, we have established the inhibitory effect of Ni addition on the Cu-Ru/C catalyst obtaining, in some cases lower total conversions, but having a potent effect on modifying the selectivity of reaction products, with a quantitatively varying effect depending on working pressure.