Pt catalysts supported on zeolitized-pumice for the selective hydrogenation of campholenic aldehyde: a characterization and kinetic study

A detailed characterization study of Pt catalysts supported on a novel zeolitized-pumice (Z-PM) support
is reported. Two catalysts, named Pt(Cl)/Z-PM and Pt(Ac)/Z-PM, prepared by impregnation from H2PtCl6
and Pt(acac)2 as precursors and subsequent reduction under H2 at 623 K, were investigated in terms of
microstructure, chemical and surface properties by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron
microscopy (TEM), temperature programmed reduction (TPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
(XPS).
Characterization data showed that the microstructural stability of the support was preserved by using
Pt(acac)2 as precursor. It was verified instead that, by using H2PtCl6, the microstructure of the support
changed during the thermal activation step under hydrogen, favouring a strong interaction between Pt
and support as well as the formation of bimetallic Pt–Fe alloys. Moreover, a moderate increase of Pt dband
vacancies with respect to metallic Pt was observed in this catalyst by XPS.
The above catalysts were tested in the selective hydrogenation of campholenic aldehydes to the
corresponding unsaturated alcohol, naturanol. In comparison to the Pt(Ac)/Z-PM sample, the ex-chloride
Pt(Cl)/Z-PM catalyst showed a higher selectivity to naturanol. This behaviour was interpreted on the
basis of the different microstructural and electronic properties as evinced by the characterization data.