Graphite encapsulated molybdenum carbide core/shell nanocomposite for highly selective conversion of guaiacol to phenolic compounds in methanol

Graphite encapsulated molybdenum carbides (Mo₂C@C) were synthesized via the hydrothermal carbonization of a solution of glucose and ammonium molybdate followed by temperature programmed reduction. Characterization and structural analyses revealed that the synthesized Mo₂C@C nanoparticles had a molybdenum core/carbon shell structure with a particle size ranging from 50 nm to 100 nm and a core size range of 5–45 nm. The catalytic performance of the graphite encapsulated molybdenum carbides was evaluated on conversion of guaiacol to phenolic compounds in methanol. At 340 °C under 2.8 MPa hydrogen pressure, a 76.3% guaiacol conversion was obtained with selectivities of 68.6% for phenol and 93.5% for phenolic compounds. Thus, Mo₂C@C showed high selectivity for phenolic compounds in methanol.