Intermetallic Compounds as Potential Alternatives to Noble Metals in Heterogeneous Catalysis: The Partial Hydrogenation of Butadiene on γ‐Al4Cu9(1 1 0). Issue 12 (6th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Piccolo, Laurent; Kibis, Lidiya; De Weerd, Marie‐Cécile; Gaudry, Emilie; Ledieu, Julian; Fournée, Vincent
• Is Part Of: ChemCatChem. Volume 9:Issue 12(2017)
• Page Start: 2292
• Page End: 2296
• Publication Date: 2017-04-06
• Subjects: aluminum -- copper -- heterogeneous catalysis -- hydrogenation -- surface chemistry; Catalysis -- Periodicals; 541.39505
• DOI: 10.1002/cctc.201601587
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1867-3880

Abstract

Abstract: Recently, non‐noble intermetallic compounds have shown promising catalytic performances in the partial hydrogenation of alkynes and alkenes. In this work, the properties of γ‐Al4 Cu9 (1 1 0) toward the gas‐phase hydrogenation of butadiene were investigated at total pressures of 2–20 mbar and temperatures of 110–180 °C. The model catalyst is active and 100 % selective to butenes. Moreover, although less active than Al13 Fe4 (0 1 0), which was evaluated previously for the same reaction, it is more selective and more stable. The combination of catalytic tests with pre‐ and postreaction Auger electron spectroscopy measurements and comparative tests with Cu(1 1 0) shows that Cu governs the reaction on γ‐Al4 Cu9 (1 1 0). However, the lower activity of the (more Cu‐rich) sputtered Al4 Cu9 surface with respect to the annealed one and the differences between Al4 Cu9 and Cu surfaces in terms of butene isomer distribution, butene conversion kinetics, and sensitivity to poisons, demonstrate the unique character of the intermetallic compound. Abstract : Interesting intermetallics : Intermetallic compounds are potential catalyst alternatives to noble metals. Using surface‐science methods, the catalytic properties of the γ‐Al4 Cu9 phase have been investigated for the first time. This material is highly selective for the partial hydrogenation of butadiene to butenes, that is, no butane is produced. Although the active sites are likely composed of Cu atoms (blue), neighboring Al atoms (grey) may strengthen the hydrocarbon–surface bond.