Synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance of metal-containing mesoporous carbons for styrene production

[Display omitted] ► TEM image showed highly ordered carbons with a high graphitisation degree. ► Increased surface area. ► Pt nanoparticles were attached inside MWCNT structure. ► Highly active in oxydehydrogenation of ethylbenzene. Metal-containing ordered carbons were synthesised and characterised by TEM, SEM, XRD, textural properties and Raman spectroscopy. The solids were evaluated in the ethylbenzene oxydehydrogention for styrene production. XRD and Raman studies showed highly ordered carbons with a high graphitisation degree and increased surface area when Pt nanoparticles were attached inside MWCNT structure, whereas Ni produced larger, inner nanoparticles with a lower organisation degree due to additional carbon growth on the top nickel particles. However, poorly graphitised carbon structures were obtained by incorporating Fe and Cu nanoparticles, which were deposited on the carbon surface. Studies of stability in the ethylbenzene dehydrogenation were done based on the physicochemical properties of the solids revealed that the stability of the metal-containing carbons was significantly improved through modification with Pt.