Effect of microstructure of supports on catalytic activities of carbonylation catalysts

Nickel (Ni)-based catalysts supported by different active carbons (C) were prepared and used for vapor-phase carbonylation of ethanol. The microstructural properties of carbon supports were well investigated by using physical adsorption of nitrogen (N₂), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectrometry, Boehm titration and scanning electron microscopy. The catalytic activities of nickel/carbon catalysts were also studied. The results showed that wood charcoal had a large quantity of mesopores, a larger specific surface area and more oxygen (O)-containing groups such as carbonyl groups. The nickel catalyst supported by wood charcoal showed the highest catalytic activity, with 72.43% of ethanol conversion and 67.46% of product combined selectivity.