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: NO3− > Cl− = SO42−. The catalyst prepared with CuSO4 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.