Nitrogen-doped active carbon as a metal-free catalyst for acetylene hydrochlorination

Abstract

In this study, we report high catalytic activity for acetylene hydrochlorination by post-treatment of active carbon (AC) with polyaniline (PANI) followed by pyrolyzation at high temperature. The presence of PANI species in N-doped AC can be proven by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectra. The N-doped AC catalyst with PANI had significantly improved catalytic activity and stability. Results demonstrated that the order of the nitrogen species' role in acetylene hydrochlorination is as follows: pyrrolic N > graphitic N > pyridinic N. It is a green, sustainable process for the polyvinyl chloride industry as a metal-free substitute for toxic HgCl₂ because of its low cost, environmental stability, and excellent catalytic performance.