Hydrodeoxygenation of m-cresol as a depolymerized lignin probe molecule: Synergistic effect of NiCo supported alloys

Three bimetallic Ni-Co (Ni:Co ratio 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1) two monometallic (Ni Co) nanoparticles supported on Al2O3 were synthesized by incipient wet impregnation characterized various technics (N2-physisorption, XRD, H2-TPR, CO-chemisorption elemental analysis). It was demonstrated XRD that NiCo alloys present solids. The catalytic properties of all catalysts determined for the hydrodeoxygenation m-cresol at 340 °C under 4 MPa total pressure. alloy developed better deoxygenation than pure Ni metallic phase, these being evaluated both reaction rate (kTOT) selectivity into products. Indeed, NiCo(3:1)/Al2O3 1.2 times more active Ni/Al2O3 8.8 Co/Al2O3, deoxygenated products favored compared to one. In addition, kTOT values seems be related amount CO uptakes, indicating sites in HDO similar nature those allowing adsorption CO, could oxygen vacancies which promoted particles.