Evaluation of Pd/alumina catalysts, produced by combustion synthesis, in the ethanol oxidation reaction to acetic acid

Combustion synthesis is a quick, straightforward preparation process to pro duce homogeneous, very fine, crystalline and unagglomerated multicomponent oxide ceramic powders, without the intermediate decomposition and/or calcin ing steps, and was used to prepare a palladium/alumina catalyst oxide precu rsor. The present work describes the synthesis of the catalyst and compares its performance, in the acetic acid formation from ethanol oxidation react ion, with that of the equivalent catalyst synthesized via the usual techniq ue of an independent support impregnation step. The phase formation and characteristics of the powder produced (morphology and grain size) were investigated and are also discussed. Results show that the combustion synthesis produces solids with specific surface areas 60% h igher than those obtained by the conventional technique. The catalytic test results show that the combustion synthesis catalysts hav e higher activity and acetic acid selectivity, in the ethanol oxidation rea ction. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.