Optimized Design and Development of AuPd Catalysts for Selective Hydrogenation of Cyclopentadiene

Al 2 O 3 -supported Au-Pd bimetallic catalysts were synthesized using the sol immobilization method for the selective hydrogenation of cyclopentadiene (CPD). The study explored the effect of varying Au-Pd metal ratios on the catalytic activity during the hydrogenation process. Comparative analysis of the catalytic performance revealed that the Au-Pd metal ratio significantly influences the hydrogenation efficiency of CPD. The catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), CO-diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (H 2 -TPR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TEM results confirmed the successful synthesis of the bimetallic catalysts with an average particle size of 4.7 nm. Line scan and XPS analyses verified the presence of an Au-Pd alloy in the catalyst. Among the catalysts tested, the Au 0.25 Pd 0.75 /Al 2 O 3 catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic performance. This enhanced activity is attributed to the electronic interaction between the Au and Pd nanoparticles, likely due to electron migration, which boosts catalytic activity. The kinetic study of the Au 0.25 Pd 0.75 /Al 2 O 3 catalyst showed an activation energy of 26.98 kJ/mol.