Efficient Hydrochlorination of Acetylene by the Ag–Ru Bimetallic Catalyst in a Deep Eutectic Solvent

A series of Ag–Ru/AC bimetallic catalysts were synthesized for acetylene hydrochlorination using a deep eutectic solvent (DES) as the dispersant. Their structures were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and temperature programmed desorption (TPD), and the catalytic performance was assessed at varying conditions. Among them, 5Ag-0.07Ru-10DES/AC showed the best catalytic performance, with 97.6% acetylene conversion at 180 °C, GHSV (C2H2) = 180 h–1, and VHCl/VC2H2 = 1–1.25. DES promoted the dispersion of metal particles, enhanced the adsorption and reactivity of HCl, and reduced the coking of the catalyst. The interaction among 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim]Cl), reactants, and products was studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the synergistic mechanism of the bimetallic catalyst was justified, and the influence of [Emim]Cl on the catalytic performance was revealed. This work provided a theoretical basis for the development of efficient nonmercury catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination.