Aqua regia activated Au/C catalysts for the hydrochlorination of acetylene

摘要

Au/C catalysts are effective materials for the gas phase hydrochlorination of acetylene to vinyl chloride\udmonomer, and to date, the most effective catalyst preparation protocol makes use of impregnation using\udaqua regia. In the present study, the effect of this solvent is evaluated and discussed in detail by modifying\udthe ratio of HCl and HNO3 and the temperature of the impregnation step. These factors are observed to\udaffect the Au3+/Au0\udratio of the final catalyst, in addition to the modification of the functional groups of\udthe carbon used as support. The results can be rationalised by the oxidation effect of HNO3 on both the\udgold nanoparticles and the functional groups on the carbon surface, as well as a nucleation effect of HCl\udtowards gold over the carbon support.