Effect of MoO3 as a Promoter in Cu-Mgo-Al2O3 (Hydrotalcite like Precursor) Catalyst for the Vapour Phase Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde

Abstract

An attempt has been made to study the role of MoO₃ as promoterin Cu-MgO-Al₂O₃ (hydrotalcite like precursor) for the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde in vapour phase at atmospheric pressure. It is interesting to note that the MoO₃ addition plays an important role in maintaining enhanced activity and stability of the catalyst by avoiding agglomeration of Cu species during the time on stream study. The discrepancy in the catalysts was clearly monitored by X-ray diffraction, temperature programmed reduction, BET surface area, N₂O pulse chemisorption studies. MoO₃ promotion helps in maintaining adequate surface Cu coverage that is needed for the reaction.

Keywords: MoO₃, hydrogenation, HT, agglomeration