Catalytic Hydrogenation Property of Methyl Benzoate to Benzyl Aldehyde over Manganese-Based Catalysts with Appropriate Oxygen Vacancies

The synthesis of benzaldehyde, a compound widely utilized in food, medicine, and cosmetics, was achieved through a one-step catalytic hydrogenation using the cost-effective raw material, methyl benzoate. This process aligns with the principles of atom economy and green production. Despite the development of numerous high-performance catalysts by scholars, the challenge remains in achieving lower reaction temperatures, ideally below 400 degrees C. In this study, a series of MnOx/gamma-Al2O3 catalysts were meticulously prepared using the precipitation-impregnation method. These catalysts featured supports calcined at various temperatures and distinct manganese active components. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 physical adsorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H2 temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD) were employed to analyze the structure and surface properties of the catalysts. Notably, the optimized reaction temperature was found to be 360 degrees C. The catalyst exhibited the most favorable performance when the calcination temperature of the support was 500 degrees C and the Mn/Al molar ratio reached 0.18. Under these conditions, the catalyst demonstrated the most suitable oxygen vacancy concentration, yielding impressive results: a conversion rate of 87.90% and a benzaldehyde selectivity of 86.1%. These achievements were attained at 360 degrees C, atmospheric pressure, a hydrogen to methyl benzoate molar ratio of 40:1, and a Gas Hourly Space Velocity (GHSV) of 800 h-1. This research underscores the potential for optimizing catalysts to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of benzaldehyde synthesis.