Hydrogenation of biomass‐derived succinic acid to form 1,4‐butanediol over Co/SiO2 catalyst

Abstract Background Succinic acid is a vital platform chemical derivable from lignocellulosic biomass. Various non‐noble metal catalysts were used to hydrogenate succinic acid and produce 1,4‐butanediol in this study. Among them, Co‐loaded SiO 2 with a moderate mean pore size of 10 nm exhibited a superior catalytic performance. Results The high catalytic activity of Co‐loaded SiO 2 , which was prepared by an impregnation method, was demonstrated in the hydrogenolysis of succinic acid to provide 1,4‐butanediol. The Co/SiO 2 catalyst reduced at 400 °C and calcined at 300 °C existed in the form of Co 2+ and Co 0 , exhibiting a high catalytic activity. The production of 1,4‐butanediol from succinic acid was significantly enhanced at a temperature of 200 °C and an H 2 pressure exceeding 5 MPa. At 200 °C and 7 MPa H 2 pressure, a 1,4‐butanediol selectivity of 67.8% and a full succinic acid conversion were obtained over Co/SiO 2 . Conclusion The Co‐loaded SiO 2 with a moderate mean pore size of 10 nm was conducive to the efficient generation of 1,4‐butanediol from succinic acid. The Co/SiO 2 catalyst reduced at 400 °C existed in the form of Co 0 and Co 2+ . It was suggested that the efficient synthesis of 1,4‐butanediol from succinic acid was facilitated by the cooperative action of Co 0 and Co 2+ . © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).