Catalyst Design for the Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation of Model Compounds in the Presence of Sulfur

In this research, the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of 2-cyclohexen-1-one by Ni-Wand W-S catalysts is investigated. The objective was to demonstrate catalytic activity of sulfide-based electrodes for the hydrogenation reaction in the presence of sulfur containing molecules representative of those found in bitumen distillate fractions.;WS2 catalysts particles supported on vitreous carbon have been shown to be active for the electrocatalytic hydrogenation in the presence of sulfur.;The ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazlium tetrafluoroborate was investigated as a solvent for e1ectrocatalytic hydrogenation reactions. It was found to be incompatible with a vitreous carbon anode and reacted immediately producing an insulating film.;Ni and Pd catalysts were investigated as control standards for the hydrogenation reaction. Both catalysts were found to be ineffective in the presence of sulfur. Ni-W composite films supported on aluminum have been shown to be catalytically active for the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of 2-cyclohexen-1-one, but are poisoned in the presence of sulfur.