Insights into a New Formation Mechanism of Robust Cu/SiO2 Catalysts for Low-Temperature Dimethyl Oxalate Hydrogenation Induced by a Chelating Ligand of EDTA

The Cu/SiO2 catalyst has been widely used in dimethyl oxalate (DMO) hydrogenation due to its low cost and high efficiency. However, the reaction temperature of DMO is higher than Hüttig Cu, smaller Cu particles are easier agglomerate. Therefore, there much interest constructing a with small particle size strong stability. In present work, effect introducing EDTA on catalysts systematically investigated. It not only was beneficial form copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) but also enhance stability species by suitable amount EDTA. Furthermore, surface were more evenly dispersed, number active sites increased introduction EDTA; subsequently, synergistic between Cu+ Cu0 enhanced. best performance 0.08E-Cu/SiO2 had achieved ethylene glycol (EG), conversion EG selectivity reached 99.9% 97.7%, respectively. Above all, exhibited level during 1200 h life test at 180 °C.