Synergistic effects of supported Pt–Ni bimetallic catalysts in atmospheric gas-phase hydrogenation of acetonitrile

Silica supported Pt–Ni catalysts were compared with the corresponding monometallic Pt and Ni catalysts with respect to the performance for atmospheric gas-phase hydrogenation of acetonitrile. The bimetallic catalysts are very active and their product selectivities are significantly different compared with the monometallic catalysts. The activity and selectivity of the bimetallic catalysts depend on the method of metal loading. The surfaces of catalysts were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and temperature-programmed desorption of hydrogen using different adsorption temperatures in connection with their catalytic performance. q1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved