Selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde over Pt-Co/ZrO 2 catalyst in the solvent system of ethanol/water

The selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde (CMA) to the corresponding cinnamyl alcohol (CMO) was investigated over Pt-Co/ZrO2 catalyst in the solvent system of ethanol/water. Pt-0. 4% Co/ZrO2 showed the better catalytic activity for selective hydrogenation of CMA and the higher selectivity to the formation of CMO. The texture of ZrO2 support together with the properties of reducers used in the catalyst preparation, played an important role in the selective hydrogenation of CMA over Pt-Co/ZrO2 catalyst. The support with higher BET surface area and larger pore size was favorable for the dispersion of active phases, as well as the adsorption of reactant molecules, leading to higher catalytic activity. A synergy effect between Pt-Co-B was observed when KBH4 was chosen as the reducer. It significantly promoted the catalytic activity of the catalyst and the selectivity of CMA to CMO.