Hydroconversion of acetic acid over indium- and phosphorus-modified nickel/laponite catalysts

Modified catalysts were prepared from laponite (LT)-supported Ni catalyst. The catalysts were characterized by specific surface area, pore size distribution, in situ X-ray diffractometry and activity in the hydroconversion of acetic acid (AA) at 21 bar total pressure, WHSV AA = 0.5–3.0 h −1 , and 260–380 °C reaction temperature. The modification generated LT-supported Ni 2 In or Ni 2 P active phases. The Ni 2 P catalyst showed hydrodecarbonylation activity. The Ni 2 In/LT catalyst has a balanced hydrogenating activity, providing ethanol (EL) and H 2 O as main products. The EL formation was substantiated to proceed through acetaldehyde/vinyl alcohol intermediates.