In situ Ni2P catalyst for the selective processing of terephthalic acid into BTX fraction.

In situ obtained Ni 2 P-based catalysts were proposed for the selective conversion of terephthalic acid into the benzene-toluene-xylene fraction. The catalysts were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and NH 3 temperature-programmed desorption. The influence of reaction time, temperature and H 2 pressure on the conversion of terephthalic acid and benzene-toluene-xylene selectivity was studied. Direct deoxygenation and decarboxylation were found to be the main reaction pathways using in situ Ni 2 P catalysts. Selectivity for the benzene-toluene-xylene fraction reached up to 100 % (at full terephthalic acid conversion) under moderate reaction conditions. The reusability of the in situ Ni 2 P catalyst before and after regeneration was demonstrated. [Display omitted] • Ni 2 P catalyst formed in situ in the hydroprocessing of terephthalic acid. • Benzene-toluene-xylene fraction was produced with 100 % selectivity at 350 °C. • Niδ+ promotes the decarboxylation pathway. • P–OH are the active sites in the direct deoxygenation. • In situ Ni 2 P can be regenerated and reused in the terephthalic acid processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]