Abstract: Carbon-covered alumina (CCA) was prepared by pyrolysis of sucrose dispersed on a γ-Al₂O₃ support, and 17% Ni/CCA catalyst was prepared by impregnation with CCA. Effect of carbon addition on the catalytic performance of Ni/Al₂O₃ was investigated for the hydrogenation of crude 1,4-butanediol aqueous solution. The catalyst samples were characterized by thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption, H₂ temperature-programmed reduction, and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the addition of carbon resulted in the changes in the surface properties of the support, the nickel dispersion, and metal-support interaction of the catalyst, leading to different hydrogenation activity of the catalyst. When the carbon loading was 11.6%, the catalyst sample showed the highest nickel dispersion, the mild metal-support interaction and the highest activity for the hydrogenation of crude 1,4-butanediol solution.

Key words: nickel, carbon-covered alumina, supported catalyst, 1,4-butanediol, hydrogenation