Carbon supported Ru catalysts as promising alternative for Raney-type Ni in the selective hydrogenation of d-glucose

• Published in: Catalysis today Vol. 79; pp. 35 - 41
• Main Authors: Hoffer, B.W, Crezee, E, Mooijman, P.R.M, van Langeveld, A.D, Kapteijn, F, Moulijn, J.A
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 30.04.2003; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Carbon; Catalysis; Catalysts: preparations and properties; Chemistry; d-Glucose; d-Sorbitol; Dispersion; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry; d-Glucose; Ru; Ni; Carbon; d-Sorbitol; Dispersion; Sorbitol; D-Sorbitol; D-Glucose; Ruthenium; Transition metal; Glucose; Hydrogenation; Supported catalyst; Heterogeneous catalysis; Platinoid
• ISSN: 0920-5861; 1873-4308
• DOI: 10.1016/S0920-5861(03)00040-3

The activity, selectivity and stability of Ru/C catalysts in d-glucose hydrogenation have been compared with those of the conventional catalysts for this process, viz. Raney-type Ni. All catalysts show high selectivity to d-sorbitol (>98%). Promoting Raney-type Ni with Mo and Cr/Fe has a positive effect on the hydrogenation rate. The Cr/Fe promoted system exhibits the highest activity but the Fe leaches from the catalyst into the reaction mixture. Moreover, this catalyst deactivates after successive runs. For all Raney-type Ni catalysts leaching of Ni in the product mixture occurs. Carbon supported ruthenium is an attractive alternative for Raney-type catalysts. The Ru/C catalysts have higher activities, while Ru does not leach. The activity is proportional to the Ru surface area, independent of the preparation method. A novel anionic deposition method renders catalysts with dispersions of 40%.