Multifunctional WO₃–ZrO₂-Supported Platinum Catalyst for Remarkably Efficient Hydrogenolysis of Esters to Alkanes

Abstract

The hydrogenolysis of esters to alkanes is a key protocol for the synthesis of high-quality hydrocarbon fuels from renewable plant oils or fats. However, performing this process under mild energy-efficient conditions is challenging. Herein, we report a robust tungsten-and zirconium-oxide-supported platinum catalyst (Pt/WO 3 −ZrO 2 ) for the hydrogenolysis of esters to alkanes at low temperatures (as low as 70 °C) and under ambient pressure (1 atm) of H 2 . For example, tristearin undergoes a complete conversion at 130 °C with more than 95% selectivity for the corresponding alkanes without carbon loss. In addition, the heterogeneous nature of the catalyst system reported herein permits multiple reuse of the catalyst without any significant loss of its high activity and selectivity. Mechanistic studies suggest that the multifunctional nature (acid and redox properties) of the WO 3 −ZrO 2 support plays an important role in the high activity of the catalyst.

Selective hydrogenation of dimethyl terephthalate over a potassium-modified Ni/SiO2 catalyst

“… 20 In this work, the introduction of promoters had two key effects: it effectively lowered reduction temperature, thus increasing the proportion of metallic nickel in modified catalysts compared to Ni/SiO 2 , and neutralized moderate strength acid sites, decreasing hydrogenolysis of ester to alkanes. 12 This represents the highest selectivity catalyzed by a non-precious metal catalyst. The conversion of DMT increased as the reaction temperature increased from 80 to 100 °C ( Fig.…”

“… 11 Multifunctional Pt/WO 3 –ZrO 2 catalysts promote hydrogenolysis with excellent alkanes selectivity, where the acidity of support is critical. 12 Therefore, using an appropriate alkaline promoter might be helpful to inhibit the hydrogenolysis of ester.…”

Hydrodeoxygenation of Fatty Acid Esters over Nitrogen-Functionalized Bimetallic Oxides Catalyst

“…Deoxygenation is a crucial step for SAF production from fatty acids and triglycerides, which can be classified as two routes, namely decarboxylation (DCX)/decarbonylation (DCN) with one carbon loss and direct hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) without carbon loss. − Catalyst plays an important role in the deoxygenation process . Heterogeneous bifunctional catalysts are the most common catalysts in the HDO of fatty acids and fatty acid esters (FAEs).…”

Chemical Looping Dry Reforming of Methane over Ni-Modified WO3/ZrO2: Cooperative Work of Dispersed Tungstate Species and Ni over the ZrO2 Surface

“…Transition metal-modified WO 3 /ZrO 2 and WO 3 /Al 2 O 3 have also been investigated as solid acid catalysts. H 2 pretreatment reduced the surface W 6+ to W 5+ /W 4+ species in the Pt/WO 3 /ZrO 2 system. , H 2 reduces the W species at the interface of WO X and Pt to produce active Brønsted acid sites. , In the previous reports on syngas production from CH 4 via CL reactions, redox properties of supported WO 3 have also been studied. Despite bulk or supported WO 3 in the CL steam reforming of CH 4 − high-temperature conditions (900–1000 °C) are required to reduce WO 3 by CH 4 .…”

“…H 2 pretreatment reduced the surface W 6+ to W 5+ /W 4+ species in the Pt/WO 3 / ZrO 2 system. 49,50 H 2 reduces the W species at the interface of WO X and Pt to produce active Brønsted acid sites. 45,51 In the previous reports on syngas production from CH 4 via CL reactions, redox properties of supported WO 3 have also been studied.…”