Liquid phase in-situ hydrodeoxygenation of bio-derived phenol over Raney Ni and Nafion/SiO2

Abstract In this work, we report a novel means, named liquid phase in-situ hydrodeoxygenation of bio-derived phenol to cyclohexene and cyclohexane over Raney Ni and Nafion/SiO 2 . In this method, producing hydrogen, hydrogenation and dehydration are merged and coupled owing to the close reaction conditions. The overall specific reaction pathway was studied and influences of Nafion loading, temperature, H 2 O/MeOH ratio and the quantity of catalysts on the reaction were also researched. In terms of 3 g phenol, the suitable operating conditions are drawn as follows: the Nafion loading 13 wt%, the reaction temperature 200 °C, H 2 O/MeOH ratio 20 mL:15 mL, Raney Ni 1 g, Nafion/SiO 2 0.3 g. The conversion rate of phenol and the total yield of cyclohexene and cyclohexane can reach respectively 100% and 87%. The whole reaction system is performed in the liquid phase using in situ hydrogen produced from methanol aqueous-phase reforming, not requiring an external source of hydrogen. The operating conditions are gentle, and the cost is considerably reduced.