Enhancing Stability of γ-Al2O3-Supported NiCu Catalysts by Impregnating Basic Oxides in the Hydrodeoxygenation of Anisole

Basic oxides such as CaO and MgO were added to a γ-Al2O3 support in NiCu-catalyzed hydrodeoxygenation of anisole. A commercial CaO-MgO-γ-Al2O3 was compared to a benchmark γ-Al2O3 and in-house variants with sequential oxide impregnation prior to NiCu impregnation. CaO did not have a significant impact on activity compared to the benchmark, while MgO improved NiCu dispersion, enhancing activity. Co-impregnation of CaO and MgO resulted in intermediate activity. Despite decreased demethoxylation, likely due to moderated support acidity, both CaO-modified and the commercially supported catalysts showed improved stability over 48 h Time On Stream.