Tuning the Acid/Metal Balance of Carbon Nanofiber‐Supported Nickel Catalysts for Hydrolytic Hydrogenation of Cellulose

• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201100782
• Publication Date: 2012-06-22T21:42:10Z
• Authors: Stijn Van de Vyver; Jan Geboers; Wouter Schutyser; Michiel Dusselier; Pierre Eloy; Emmie Dornez; Jin Won Seo; Christophe M. Cou...; Eric M. Gaigneaux; Pierre A. Jacobs; Bert F. Sels
• Keywords: Incipient wetness impregnation

Abstract Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are a class of graphitic support materials with considerable potential for catalytic conversion biomass. Earlier, we demonstrated the hydrolytic hydrogenation cellulose over reshaped nickel particles attached at tip CNFs. The aim this follow‐up study was to find relationship between acid/metal balance Ni/CNFs and their performance in cellulose. After oxidation incipient wetness impregnation Ni, were characterized by various analytical methods. To prepare selective Ni/CNF catalyst, influences nature agent, Ni activation, loading investigated. Under applied reaction conditions, best result, that is, 76 % yield hexitols 69 sorbitol selectivity 93 cellulose, obtained on 7.5 wt catalyst prepared chemical vapor deposition CH 4 Ni/γ‐Al 2 O 3 followed HNO (twice 1 h 383 K), impregnation, reduction 773 K under H . This preparation method leads properly balanced terms dispersion capacity one hand, number acidic surface‐oxygen groups responsible acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis other.