Stabilizing supported gold catalysts in acetylene hydrochlorination by constructing an acetylene–deficient reaction phase

In the process of acetylene hydrochlorination, the rapid deactivation of supported gold (Au) catalysts by acetylene is still a huge challenge. Here, we provide an innovative strategy for constructing an acetylene–deficient reaction phase on the active site by coating an ionic liquid film on the Au(H2O)/C surface. The reactant ratio of C2H2 to HCl in this acetylene–deficient reaction phase is 1:132, in contrast to the 1:1 M ratio in the gas phase, thus boosting the catalytic stability of Au(H2O)/C catalysts. The kinetic and theoretical analysis showed that the reduction of cationic gold by C2H2 and the generation of carbon deposition can be inhibited in this constructed reaction phase during reaction. The current work not only broadens the scope of supported Au catalysts in acetylene hydrochlorination, but also verifies the perspective of the tunability of stoichiometric balance, which can be used in other catalytic applications.