Hydrogenation of biomass-derived succinic acid to form 1,4-butanediol over Co/SiO2 catalyst

Background

Succinic acid is a vital platform chemical derivable from lignocellulosic biomass. Various non-noble metal catalysts were used to hydrogenate succinic acid and produce 1,4-butanediol in this study. Among them, Co-loaded SiO₂ with a moderate mean pore size of 10 nm exhibited a superior catalytic performance.

Results

The high catalytic activity of Co-loaded SiO₂, which was prepared by an impregnation method, was demonstrated in the hydrogenolysis of succinic acid to provide 1,4-butanediol. The Co/SiO₂ catalyst reduced at 400 °C and calcined at 300 °C existed in the form of Co²⁺ and Co⁰, exhibiting a high catalytic activity. The production of 1,4-butanediol from succinic acid was significantly enhanced at a temperature of 200 °C and an H₂ pressure exceeding 5 MPa. At 200 °C and 7 MPa H₂ pressure, a 1,4-butanediol selectivity of 67.8% and a full succinic acid conversion were obtained over Co/SiO₂.

Conclusion

The Co-loaded SiO₂ with a moderate mean pore size of 10 nm was conducive to the efficient generation of 1,4-butanediol from succinic acid. The Co/SiO₂ catalyst reduced at 400 °C existed in the form of Co⁰ and Co²⁺. It was suggested that the efficient synthesis of 1,4-butanediol from succinic acid was facilitated by the cooperative action of Co⁰ and Co²⁺. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).