A systematic study of the synthesis of transition metal phosphides and their activity for hydrodeoxygenation of phenol

Abstract Five different unsupported transition metal phosphides were synthesized and tested for hydrodeoxygenation of phenol in gas phase at 300 °C atmospheric pressure. The phosphide phases two steps: synthesis phosphates temperature programmed reduction. In situ X-ray diffraction reduction revealed the formation phases: Ni2P, MoP, CoP/CoP2, FeP WP. diffractograms showed that phosphate precursor is decomposed during reduction, producing oxide (Molybdenum) or pyrophosphate (Nickel, Iron) phases, without a metallic phase. All catalysts high selectivity to direct deoxygenation products, indicating promoted cleavage C O bond. However, product distribution varied significantly depending on Ni2P catalyst exhibited highest benzene, whereas CoP, WP significant cyclohexene. also produced cyclohexane, while large amount C5 – C6 hydrocarbons was formed over MoP. Product correlated type crystal structure phosphides.