(219f) Nanostructured Cu/SiO2 Catalysts for the Hydrogenation of Dimethyl Oxalate to Ethylene Glycol

Nanostructured Cu/SiO₂catalysts for the hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate to ethylene glycol

Tiberiu Popa^*a , Maohong Fan^a

* Presenting author, tpopa@uwyo.edu

^aUniversity of Wyoming, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department, 1000 E University Ave.,  Laramie, 82071 Wy USA, tel: (307)766-2500

Abstract

Nanostructured Cu/SiO₂ catalysts for the hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate (DMO) to ethylene glycol (EG) were synthesized by using (NH₄)₂CO₃. The new method generated catalysts exhibiting good performance for DMO conversion and EG selectivity in the desired temperature range. The resulted catalysts were characterized for catalytic activity, optimal reaction temperature, specific surface area, crystalline structure, surface composition and thermal stability. The new method generated active catalysts with improved thermal stability linked to better dimension control and improved morphology of the supported copper particles.

Keywords: Dimethyl oxalate hydrogenation catalyst; ethylene glycol; Cu/SiO₂; ammonium carbonate