Resumen de Application of Heterogeneous Copper Catalyst in a Continuous Flow Process
Marek Gliński, Urszula Ulkowska, Ewa Iwanek
In this laboratory experiment, the synthesis of a supported solid catalyst (Cu/SiO2) and its application in the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol performed under flow conditions was studied. The experiment was planned for a group of two or three students for two 6 h long sessions. The copper catalyst was synthesized using incipient wetness impregnation of the silica support with copper(II) nitrate trihydrate as the precursor of the active phase. It was then dried, calcined, and reduced. Each step of the synthesis was characterized by color change. The catalytic reaction was performed as a continuous process in a flow reactor, and the postreaction mixture was analyzed using gas chromatography. The laboratory experiment showed practical aspects of heterogeneous catalysis and encouraged students to seek alternative, environmentally friendly methods of organic compound synthesis.
