Ni-B catalyst with metal modifiers for partial hydrogenation of fatty acid methyl esters at mild conditions

Abstract

A low-cost Ni-B alloy catalyst was prepared by chemical reduction method and used for partial hydrogenation of fatty acid methyl esters. The conditions for catalyst preparation, including Ni to B ratio, pH of NaBH4 solution, types and quantity of metal modifiers were optimized. Ni-La-B, prepared by modification of Ni-B with La, showed significantly high catalytic partial hydrogenation activity. The optimum textural properties (small particle size, high specific surface area and well-defined pore structure) and electron enrichment of active Ni sites were the favorable factors for the high hydrogenation activity of Ni-La-B catalyst, which showed reasonable stability in catalyst recycle experiments. Synopsis of this article: A low-cost Ni-B alloy catalyst was prepared by chemical reduction method and used for partial hydrogenation of fatty acid methyl esters. Ni-La-B showed significantly high catalytic activity. The optimum textural properties and electron enrichment of active Ni sites were the favorable factors for the high hydrogenation activity of catalyst. Synopsis of this article: A low-cost Ni-B alloy catalyst was prepared by chemical reduction method and used for partial hydrogenation of fatty acid methyl esters. Ni-La-B showed significantly high catalytic activity. The optimum textural properties and electron enrichment of active Ni sites were the favorable factors for the high hydrogenation activity of catalyst.