Catalytically Active Cu-Fe/Kaolin Hybrid Catalyst for Semi-Hydrogenation of Acetylene
Abstract
A series of Cu-Fe-base kaolin samples were prepared using the sol-gel method for semi hydrogenation of acetylene. The catalysts were comprehensively characterized with SEM, XRD, XPS and H2-TPR. The rough structures of the catalysts support acetylene movement on the catalyst’s surface and the desorption of ethylene. The catalysts promote ethylene selectivity and yield remarkably. The changes in the morphology of the modified kaolin with Cu-Fe improved the mass transport of reactants and products. The observed slight shift of the characteristic peak of Cu to a lower energy level in the XPS profile indicates changes in the electronic structure. These changes could stem from interactions of Cu with Fe and Kaolin or changes in the catalyst’s surface. The prepared catalyst was tested for semi-hydrogenation of C2H2 within the temperature range of 100 to 200 ºC. In general, CuxFe0.5/Kaolin catalysts exhibited good activity. The Cu3Fe0.5/kaolin ratio gave the highest yield, with >95% selectivity and >93% conversion, which is due to the shift in the Cu binding energy towards low energy which was more evident in this ratio. These results will enrich the use of non-precious metals as industrial catalysts for thermal conversion of C2H2 to ethylene.