Characterization and activity of hydrotalcite-type catalysts for acetonitrile hydrogenation

Studies of the preparation and characterization using X-ray diffraction, temperature programmed reduction and decomposition, electron microscopy (TEM-SEM), calorimetric measurements, temperature programmed desorption, nitrogen adsorption and the catalytic behavior of three samples having takovite structure with different Ni/Mg/Al ratios in order to modify the basicity of the solid, have been carried out for the acetonitrile hydrogenation reaction in the gas phase. It has been shown that the chemical composition of the samples significantly modifies their catalytic behaviors. Also, low magnesium contents, which cause an increase on basic properties, result in higher activity and selectivity to primary amine. The catalytic properties were correlated with the accessibility and reducibility of Ni particles, and ethylamine adsorption heats. Thermal stability of the takovite materials and their surface properties are also reported.