Methanol dehydrogenation over Cu/SiO_{2 catalysts

Methanol dehydrogenation was carried out over impregnated Cu/SiO2 catalysts. It was found that the temperature of the catalyst's preliminary reduction by hydrogen could play a dramatic role. The interaction of copper ions with silica during the reduction at ≥300°C was observed. Metallic copper species obtained at low reduction temperature were found to be responsible for the methyl formate formation. The catalysts containing copper in the oxidised state showed low selectivity because of a side reaction of coke formation and were deactivated rapidly. The optimal temperature of reduction was found to be 250°C.