Application of Na2CO3-Regulated Nickel-Based Catalysts in the Aqueous-Phase Hydrogenation of Dinitrotoluene to Toluenediamine

Graphical The research focuses on developing an efficient nickel-based catalyst for DNT hydrogenation to TDA in aqueous medium. By varying the Na 2 CO 3 /Ni molar ratio, the catalyst's structure and performance are optimized. The Ni/AC-1.8N catalyst shows excellent results with 100% DNT conversion and TDA selectivity in 6 min at 120 °C and 2.1 MPa, and good stability after 8 recycles. XRD, TEM, and so on analyses reveal its structural advantages. This study developed a supported nickel-based catalyst for the aqueous-phase hydrogenation of dinitrotoluene (DNT) to toluenediamine (TDA). Using Ni(NO 3 ) 2 ·6H 2 O as the nickel source, Na 2 CO 3 as the precipitating agent, and activated carbon as the support, catalysts were prepared by impregnation-precipitation. The effect of Na 2 CO 3 /Ni molar ratio on catalyst structure and performance was investigated. Results show that when the ratio is 1.8, the catalyst achieves complete DNT conversion and 100% TDA selectivity in 6 min at 120 °C and 2.1 MPa, effectively controlling tar formation. After 8 recycles, the catalyst remains highly stable, showing good industrial application prospects.