Monolithic catalysts with Pd deposited on a structured nickel foam packing

Abstract Catalyst activity and selectivity of the multiphase catalytic reactions may be strongly reduced by mass transfer limitations. A rotating packed bed (RPB) reactor can intensify the mass transfer process by 1–3 orders magnitude compared to the traditional reactors, which has great potential for catalytic reactions. The first step of the RPB reactor applied to catalytic reactions is to prepare a monolithic catalyst with excellent mechanical strength. This work selected the structured nickel foam packing as the catalyst substrate and then deposited palladium on the surface of the porous nickel foam packing. The above monolithic catalyst was then characterized by FESEM, EDS, TEM, XRD, ICP, and 3D-CT. In order to know the coating adhesivity, the monolithic catalyst was tested by the ultrasonic vibration in an ultrasonicator tank and scouring experiments in a RPB reactor. Hydrogenation of α-methylstyrene was employed to test its catalytic performance.