Cu/KIT-5 catalysts for hydrogenation of fatty acids: a comprehensive study of the chemical species and their performance

Abstract

Cu as an active phase represents a great alternative in heterogeneous catalysis for biomass feedstocks. New Cu/KIT-5 catalysts were synthesized by varying the metal precursor in aqueous solution. Copper chloride, nitrate or sulfate were impregnated to three-dimensional mesoporous KIT-5 material and the catalysts were characterized. The catalysts were tested in hydrogenation of palmitic acid. We found that the catalytic activity trend as a function of the salt precursor is: NO 3 − > Cl − = SO 4 2− . The catalyst prepared with CuSO 4 resulted in high quantities of linear alkanes and alkenes, while the other two materials prefer the hydrogenation reaction to the alcohol. The hydrocarbon molecules produced over these Cu/KIT-5 materials point out the possibility of tuning their selectivity to desired products. Those features might be exploited for cleaner catalysts applied to biomass transformation.