Selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene over high-energy facets exposed nanotubular alumina supported palladium catalysts

High-energy facets exposed nanotubular alumina as well as conventional alumina supported Pd catalysts were synthesized and applied to the selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene. Novel alumina supported catalyst presented higher selectivity at complete conversion of phenylacetylene. This could be related to the well dispersion of Pd and strong metal-support interaction, which are the consequences of the unique structural properties of the crystal plane regulated alumina. It helps create more active sites for hydrogenation meanwhile facilitates the desorption of alkene and thus suppresses the excess hydrogenation towards ethylbenzene.