Sinter-Resistant N-Doped Biomass-Derived Carbon-Supported Pd Catalyst for Hydrogenation of Phenol to Cyclohexanol

Selective hydrogenation of lignin-derived phenols provides saturated cyclic oxygenates relevant to renewable fuel synthesis. Pd nanoparticles were supported on N-doped biomass-derived carbon (Pd/NBC) and evaluated for consecutive phenol hydrogenation to cyclohexanol. Pd/NBC achieved 99% phenol conversion and 85% cyclohexanol selectivity at 200 °C and an initial H2 pressure of 5 MPa after 6 h. Under matched 2 h conditions, Pd/NBC afforded 66.4% cyclohexanol selectivity at 2 MPa, compared with 12.2% over commercial Pd/C. Across six cycles, Pd/NBC showed a smaller increase in mean Pd particle size than Pd/C, while both retained high conversion. The results demonstrate improved cyclohexanol selectivity and reduced Pd particle growth on the N-doped biomass-derived carbon support under the tested conditions and highlight a favorable catalyst–support environment.