Plant-mediated synthesis of AgPd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts for selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene at low temperature

In this dissertation, silver–palladium (AgPd) bimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized by a green biosynthesis method using Cacumen platycladi leaf extract, which provided both reductive and protective agents. Then the supported AgPd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts were obtained by the sol-immobilization method, and the as-biosynthesized AgPd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts with different particle sizes and compositions were used for 1,3-butadiene hydrogenation. Optimization of the catalyst preparation and selective hydrogenation parameters was performed. Using the catalyst, a 1,3-butadiene conversion of 98.2% and a butene selectivity of 88.1% were achieved. The durability experiment of AgPd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts was carried out for 50 h, and the activity decreased slightly and the selectivity almost remains the same during the 50 h, indicating their remarkable stability. The results of TEM and TG analysis showed that the size of the AgPd nanoparticles was nearly the same before and after the durability experiment, and the existence of residual biomolecules on the catalyst surface helped to prevent agglomeration and modification of the surface properties of the catalyst, which would promote desorption of the product, and then avoid intensifying the level of further hydrogenation.