Mechanistic Insights on Cu/SiO2 Catalyst Deactivation for Selective Hydrogenation of Esters

CO containing feed gas or that decomposed from methanol (the product of ester hydrogenation or solvent) has negative influences on the performance and structure of Cu/SiO₂ catalysts. The strongly CO adsorption on Cu⁺ species can induce the aggregation of Cu nanoparticles and thus lead to the deactivation of Cu/SiO₂ catalysts.