Efficient Hydrochlorination of Acetylene by the Ag–Ru Bimetallic Catalyst in a Deep Eutectic Solvent

Abstract

A series of Ag−Ru/AC bimetallic catalysts were synthesized for acetylene hydrochlorination using a deep eutectic solvent (DES) as the dispersant. Their structures were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Xray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and temperature programmed desorption (TPD), and the catalytic performance was assessed at varying conditions. Among them, 5Ag-0.07Ru-10DES/AC showed the best catalytic performance, with 97.6% acetylene conversion at 180 °C, GHSV (C 2 H 2 ) = 180 h −1 , and V HCl /V Cd 2 Hd 2 = 1−1.25. DES promoted the dispersion of metal particles, enhanced the adsorption and reactivity of HCl, and reduced the coking of the catalyst. The interaction among 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim]Cl), reactants, and products was studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the synergistic mechanism of the bimetallic catalyst was justified, and the influence of [Emim]Cl on the catalytic performance was revealed. This work provided a theoretical basis for the development of efficient nonmercury catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination.