Influence of Ni concentration on α-MnO₂ catalyst support and its potential application for benzene hydrogenation to cyclohexane

Herein, we report the influence of Ni at different concentrations on manganese oxide catalyst support (Ni/α-MnO₂) prepared by the combined wet-impregnation and chemical reduction methods. A correlated dependence of Ni concentration was observed on the structural, surface, and morphological properties of the catalyst. The catalytic activity of Ni/α-MnO₂ was evaluated for benzene hydrogenation to cyclohexane. Ni/α-MnO₂ shows superior catalytic activity, and benzene conversion efficiency achieves 96.1%, which is 2.4 times greater compared to α-MnO₂. Interestingly, high Ni species concentration on α-MnO₂ results in an increased benzene conversion percentage. The result is synergistically attributed to the highly dispersed Ni species on the surface of α-MnO₂, increased acidity, and the improved pore diameter of the Ni/α-MnO₂. This work provides a facile and convenient method to develop α-MnO₂ doped by Ni at various concentrations for enhanced catalytic performance as an alternative strategy to cope with the presence of aromatic compounds in fossil fuels.