Preparation and Characterization of Copper-Chromia Supported Catalyst for Conversion of Cyclohexane

Abstract

structural isomerization and dehydrogenation of cyclohexane to methyl-cyclopentane(MCP) and benzene were studied on pure and supported copper-chromic catalysts in continuous reactant flow mode. The products were analysed by gas chromatography. Reaction temperature was 643K (370°C). Reaction in nitrogen atmosphere was negligible. In the presence of oxygen, major product were benzene MCP and water. No MCP was detected below 573K (300°C). 10 wt% Cu/Cr2O3 was found to be the most active catalyst for structural isomerization and dehydrogenation of cyclohexane. The catalyst retains its activity for longer time (up to 3 months). Analysis of the rate at various reactant pressures, contact times, activation energies, etc. show that the reaction, in the temp. range 573 - 653K, is in a transition state between kinetic and diffusion control. Catalyst were charaterized by XRD, SEM techniques. Surface area measurements were made by adsorption of nitrogen at liquid nitrogen temperature.