Advance in Synthesizing Cu-based Catalysts Applying to Dehydrogenation Process: Review

Copper (Cu), a kind of resourceful and low-cost transition metal has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. Owing to the efficient catalytic activity of Cu nanoparticles (NPs), these particles are perfect candidates as dehydrogenation catalysts, especially in transforming alcohol to carboxylic acid. However, Cu nanoparticles are inclined to agglomerate and inactivating in the catalytic process. As a consequence, it is important to grasp some knowledge of dehydrogenation mechanism and the reason of deactivation, and modification the Cu catalyst properly to improve the catalyst performance. In this study, choosing novel supports and building multimetallic systems are considered good choices. Simultaneously, the synthetic methods of Cu-based catalysts have been discussed concisely. In summary, this review paper has put forward the development and prospects of Cu-based catalysts. We believe that this article will facilitate researchers to accelerate the development of Cu-based catalysts in dehydrogenation process in the future. In addition, dehydrogenation process is particularly important in petroleum processes, this article is also beneficial to the basic research of petrochemical industry.