Hydrogenation and Condensation of Acetone over Ni/MgO–Al₂O₃ Prepared from Hydrotalcite Precursors

Abstract

Ni/MgO–Al₂O₃ catalysts derived from NiMgAl hydrotalcite presursors with Ni/Mg/Al ratios of (0.2–1.0) : 2 : 1 were prepared and characterized. The effect of Ni ratio on the physico-chemical and the catalytic properties were investigated. The Ni ratio influenced the specific surface area and pore size distribution, surface acidic, basic and reducibility properties, and catalytic behavior in condensation and hydrogenation of acetone. The Ni/Mg/Al ratio of 0.2 : 2 : 1 presented the suitable ratio for catalytic performance, with an acetone conversion of 53.10% with MIBK selectivity of 47.38% and DIBK selectivity of 18.91% reached at a temperature of 160°C, H₂/Ac molar ratio of 1.0 and LHSV of 4.8 mL/(g h).