Hydrogenation Catalysts Comprising a Mixed Oxide Comprising Nickel

Abstract

A process is disclosed for producing ethanol comprising contacting acetic acid and hydrogen in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst comprising a binder and a mixed oxide comprising nickel and tin.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A mixed oxide catalyst comprising:
 from 5 to 40 wt. % binder based on the total weight of the catalyst; and   from 20 to 90 wt. % mixed oxide based on the total weight of the catalyst, wherein the mixed oxide comprises nickel and tin, and wherein the total nickel loading of the catalyst is from 25 to 80 wt. %, based on the metal content of the catalyst.   
     
     
         22 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein the mixed oxide is present in an amount from 50 to 85 wt. %, based on the total weight of the catalyst. 
     
     
         23 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein the total nickel loading of the catalyst is from 40 to 70 wt. %, based on the total metal content of the catalyst. 
     
     
         24 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein the total tin loading of the catalyst is from 30 to 70 wt. %, based on the total metal content of the catalyst. 
     
     
         25 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein the total tin loading of the catalyst is from 40 to 55 wt. %, based on the total metal content of the catalyst. 
     
     
         26 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein the catalyst has a molar ratio of nickel to tin from 0.5:1 to 2:1. 
     
     
         27 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein the mixed oxide further comprises cobalt. 
     
     
         28 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein the total cobalt loading of the catalyst is from 30 to 60 wt. %, based on the metal content of the catalyst. 
     
     
         29 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein the catalyst is substantially free of rhenium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum. 
     
     
         30 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein the catalyst is substantially free of zinc, zirconium, cadmium, copper, manganese, and molybdenum. 
     
     
         31 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein the binder comprises silica, aluminum oxide, and titania. 
     
     
         32 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein the binder is present in an amount from 10 to 20 wt. %, based on the total weight of the catalyst. 
     
     
         33 . The catalyst of  claim 21 , wherein the mixed oxide catalyst has a surface area from 100 to 250 m 2 /g. 
     
     
         34 . A mixed oxide catalyst comprising:
 a binder and   a mixed oxide having the formula:
   Ni 1+x SnO z    
   wherein x is from 0 to 0.5 and z is may equal to or less than 3+2x.   
     
     
         35 . The catalyst of  claim 34 , wherein the mixed oxide is present in an amount from 20 to 90 wt. %, based on the total weight of the catalyst. 
     
     
         36 . The catalyst of  claim 34 , wherein the total nickel loading of the catalyst is from 25 to 80 wt. %, based on the total metal content of the catalyst and the total tin loading of the catalyst is from 30 to 70 wt. %, based on the total metal content of the catalyst. 
     
     
         37 . The catalyst of  claim 34 , wherein the catalyst is substantially free of rhenium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum. 
     
     
         38 . The catalyst of  claim 34 , wherein the catalyst is substantially free of zinc, zirconium, cadmium, copper, manganese, and molybdenum. 
     
     
         39 . The catalyst of  claim 34 , wherein the binder comprises silica, aluminum oxide, and titania. 
     
     
         40 . The catalyst of  claim 34 , wherein the binder is present in an amount from 5 to 40 wt. %, based on the total weight of the catalyst.