Cu2O-catalyzed C2H2 selective hydrogenation: Use of S for efficiently enhancing C2H4 selectivity and reducing the formation of green oil precursor. (31st December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Li; Zhao, Bo; Russell, Christopher K.; Fan, Maohong; Wang, Baojun; Ling, Lixia; Zhang, Riguang
• Is Part Of: Chemical engineering science. Volume 246(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-31
• Subjects: Sulfur usage -- Cu2O catalysts -- Spatial scale -- C2H2 selective hydrogenation -- Catalytic performance; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Génie chimique -- Périodiques; Chemical engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 660
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.116984
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-2509

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Use of S - a typical catalyst poison enhancing catalytic performance of C2 H2 selective hydrogenation. Sulfur-containing Cu2 O is superior to sulfur-free Cu2 O in C2 H2 selective hydrogenation. Sulfur-containing Cu2 O promotes C2 H4 formation and inhibits green oil precursor formation. S atom modifies Cu2 O surface morphology and tunes the spatial scale of active region for associated reactions. S blocks the larger active region required for C2 H2 polymerization and C2 H4 hydrogenation. Abstract: Development of cost-effective catalysts with high activity and selectivity toward C2 H2 hydrogenation to gas C2 H4 is challenging. This research found that the challenge could be overcome using S inherently existing in the raw material for production of C2 H4 and conventionally considered as a catalyst poison. Specifically, the sulfur-containing Cu2 O catalysts are superior to the sulfur-free Cu2 O catalysts in two dimensions, one is the improvement of C2 H4 formation activity and selectivity; the other is to reduce green oil precursor formation. The microscopic mechanism of S lies in blocking larger active region required for C2 H2 polymerization and C2 H4 hydrogenation to ethane; whereas without affecting smaller active region needed for C2 H2 hydrogenation to C2 H4 . Namely, the S atom modified Cu2 O surface morphology, change the spatial scale of active region for associated reactions, and control the formation of desired products. Thus, the sulfur-containing Cu2 O catalysts are potentially promising candidates for C2 H2 hydrogenation to C2 H4 .