Catalytic Properties of Pure and K+-Doped CuO/MgO System Towards 2-Propanol Conversion

Abstract

CuO/MgO system having different compositions was prepared by impregnation method followed by calcination at 400-900 °C. The effect of CuO content, calcination temperature and doping with small amounts of K⁺ species (1-3 mol %) on physicochemical, surface and catalytic properties of the system were investigated using XRD, adsorption of N2 at -196 °C, and conversion of isopropyl alcohol at 150-400 °C using a flow technique. The results revealed that the solids having the formulae 0.2 and 0.3 CuO/MgO calcined at 400 °C consisted of nanosized MgO and CuO as major phases together with Cu₂O as minor phase. The BET-surface areas of different adsorbents are decreased by increasing CuO content, calcination temperature and K⁺- doping. MgO-support material showed very small catalytic activity in 2-propanol conversion. The investigated system behaved as selective catalyst for dehydrogenation of 2-propanol with selectivity > 80%. The catalytic activity increased by increasing CuO content and decreased by increasing the calcination temperature within 400-900 °C. K⁺ - doping increased the catalytic activity and catalytic durability.