An efficient bifunctional Ni-Nb2O5 nanocatalysts for the hydrodeoxygenation of anisole

The Ni-Nb2O5 nanocatalysts have been prepared by the sol–gel method, and the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) performance of anisole as model compound is studied. The results show that Nb exists as amorphous Nb2O5 species, which can promote Ni dispersion. The addition of Nb2O5 increases the acidity of the catalyst. However, when the content of niobium is high, there is an inactive Nb-Ni-O mixed phase. The size and morphology of Ni grains in catalysts are different due to the difference of Nb/Ni molar ratio. The Ni0.9Nb0.1 sample has the largest surface area of 170.8 m2·g−1 among the catalysts prepared in different Nb/Ni molar ratios, which is mainly composed of spherical nanoparticles and crack pores. The HDO of anisole follows the reaction route of the hydrogenation HYD route. The Ni0.9Nb0.1 catalyst displayed a higher HDO performance for anisole than Ni catalyst. The selectivity to cyclohexane over the Ni0.9Nb0.1 sample is about 10 times that of Ni catalyst at 220 °C and 3 MPa H2. The selectivity of cyclohexane is increased with the increase of reaction temperature. The anisole is almost completely transformed into cyclohexane at 240 °C, 3 MPa H2 and 4 h.