Comparison of Ethylation at External Surface and Internal Cavity of H‐MCM‐22 Zeolite from Theoretical Calculations

Summaryof main observation and conclusion Understanding and optimizing structure of active sites is of significance in zeolite catalysis.Benzene ethylation is an industrially important process catalyzed by H-MCM-22 zeolite;while the active sites still remain elusive.In this work,density functional theory(DFT)calculations were employed to investigate the benzene ethylation at two different types of Br?nsted acid sites(BAS)in H-MCM-22 zeolite,namely the internal cavity(IC)acid site and the external surface(ES)acid site.Both the stepwise and concerted pathways were addressed.The compari-son of the calculated energetics of two pathways indicates that the benzene ethylation reaction primarily proceeds via the concerted pathway at both the IC and ES acid sites of H-MCM-22.The calculated overall Gibbs free energies at reaction condition(473 K and 3.5 MPa)on the IC and ES acid sites are 90 and 86 kJ/mol,with the rate constants of 1.20×10^3and 2.92×10^3s^-1,respectively.It indicates that benzene ethylation could occur both on the IC and ES acid sites,with the catalytic activity of IC acid site being slightly lower than that of ES acid site.Furthermore,we theoretically reveal that the acid strength at the ES site is slightly weaker than that at the IC site via the frequency shift after the adsorption of CO.The differences in dispersion interaction between ES and IC sites are also quantified by the adsorption of base molecules with different sizes.The calculated results in this work demonstrate that the acid sites at the external surface of H-MCM-22 zeolites are suitable for benzene ethylation to produce ethylbenzene,providing theoretical implications for tailoring the distribution of active sites in H-MCM-22 zeolite.     

Reductive amination of cyclohexanol/cyclohexanone to cyclohexylamine using SBA-15 supported copper catalysts

Amination of cyclohexanol was investigated in vapour phase over copper catalysts supported on mesoporous SBA-15. The different products identified during reductive amination of cyclohexanol reaction were cyclohexanone, cyclohexylamine, along with small amounts of N-Cyclohexylidinecyclohexylamine and dicyclohexylamine. Among several catalysts tested for the reductive amination, 5% Cu supported on SBA-15 exhibited better catalytic performance than other catalysts with 36% selectivity towards cylclohexylamine at 80% cyclohexanol conversion. The optimum reaction conditions employed to achieve the best catalyst performance were at 250 °C, 0.1 MPa of H₂/NH₃, TOS-10h. The active Cu sites, acidity of the catalyst, and effect of reaction parameters play a pivotal role in the reductive amination reaction. The prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, SEM, H₂-TPR and NH₃-TPD. The dispersion of Cu, particle size, and metal surface area (m²/g) calculated from pulse N₂O decomposition method. TPR findings reveal the presence of substantially dispersed copper oxide species at lower loadings which is easily reducible than the bulk copper oxide species found at higher Cu loadings. The acidity measurements by NH₃-TPD analysis suggest that the maximum acidic strength was obtained at 5 wt% copper on porous SBA-15, and decreased with Cu loadings. The catalytic properties are well in agreement with the findings of catalysts characterization.     

Methane Oxidation over Cu2+/[CuOH]+ Pairs and Site-Specific Kinetics in Copper Mordenite Revealed by Operando Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and UV/Visible Spectroscopy

Cu-exchanged mordenite (MOR) is a promising material for partial CH₄ oxidation. The structural diversity of Cu species within MOR makes it difficult to identify the active Cu sites and to determine their redox and kinetic properties. In this study, the Cu speciation in Cu-MOR materials with different Cu loadings has been determined using operando electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and operando ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy as well as in situ photoluminescence (PL) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A novel pathway for CH₄ oxidation involving paired [CuOH]⁺ and bare Cu²⁺ species has been identified. The reduction of bare Cu²⁺ ions facilitated by adjacent [CuOH]⁺ demonstrates that the frequently reported assumption of redox-inert Cu²⁺ centers does not generally apply. The measured site-specific reaction kinetics show that dimeric Cu species exhibit a faster reaction rate and a higher apparent activation energy than monomeric Cu²⁺ active sites highlighting their difference in the CH₄ oxidation potential.     

Redox‐Driven Migration of Copper Ions in the Cu‐CHA Zeolite as Shown by the In Situ PXRD/XANES Technique

Using quasi‐simultaneous in situ PXRD and XANES, the direct correlation between the oxidation state of Cu ions in the commercially relevant deNO_x NH₃‐SCR zeolite catalyst Cu‐CHA and the Cu ion migration in the zeolitic pores was revealed during catalytic activation experiments. A comparison with recent reports further reveals the high sensitivity of the redox‐active centers concerning heating rates, temperature, and gas environment during catalytic activation. Previously, Cu⁺ was confirmed present only in the 6R. Results verify a novel 8R monovalent Cu site, an eventually large Cu⁺ presence upon heating to high temperatures in oxidative conditions, and demonstrate the unique potential in combining in situ PXRD and XANES techniques, with which both oxidation state and structural location of the redox‐active centers in the zeolite framework could be tracked.     

CuNaY分子筛的有效吸附位与其脱硫性能的关联性研究

以液相离子交换法制备了一系列不同Cu负载量的CuNaY分子筛;采用XRD及N₂吸附-脱附表征分子筛的微观结构和织构性质,采用动态吸附法考察其对噻吩模拟油的吸附脱硫性能,结合NH₃-TPD和Py-FTIR方法对CuNaY分子筛的酸量和有效Cu⁺物种进行定量分析,研究了CuNaY分子筛的表面酸性和铜物种形态结构对其吸附脱硫性能的影响机制。结果表明,通过改变铜负载量可有效调控改性Y分子筛的表面酸性以及铜物种化学形态;适量铜物种的引入可以最大限度的形成有效吸附位,从而获得最优吸附脱硫性能,而过量的Cu物种会在Y分子筛笼内形成多核铜物种结构,导致有效吸附位点的减少,影响其对噻吩的吸附能力。     

Confinement Effects in Zeolite‐Confined Noble Metals

Confinement of noble nanometals in a zeolite matrix is a promising way to special types of catalysts that show significant advantages in size control, site adjustment, and nano‐architecture design. The beauty of zeolite‐confined noble metals lies in their unique confinement effects on a molecular scale, and thus enables spatially confined catalysis akin to enzyme catalysis. In this Minireview, the confined synthesis strategies of zeolite‐confined noble metals will be briefly discussed, showing the processes, advantages, features, and mechanisms. The confined catalysis carried on zeolite‐confined noble metals will be summarized, and great emphasis will be paid to the confinement effects involving size, encapsulation, recognition, and synergy. Great progress of atomic sites in the size effect, supercage stabilization in the encapsulation effect, site adsorption in the recognition effect, and cascade reaction in the synergy effect are highlighted. This Minireview is concluded with challenges and opportunities in terms of the synthesis of zeolite‐confined noble metals and their applications to design multifunctional catalysts with high catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability.     

Characterization and reactivity of copper oxide catalysts supported on TiO2-ZrO2

A series of copper catalysts supported on TiO2-ZrO2 with copper loading varying from 1.0 to 21.6 wt % were prepared by a wet impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (ESR), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area measurements. Copper dispersion and metal area were determined by N2O decomposition by the passivation method. XRD results suggest that the copper oxide is present in a highly dispersed amorphous state at copper loadings <16.8 wt % in the sample and as a crystalline CuO phase at higher Cu loadings. Copper dispersion increases with Cu loading up to 5.1 wt % and levels off at higher loadings. The XPS peak intensity ratios of Cu 2p(3/2)/Ti 2p(3/2) and Cu 2p(3/2)/Zr 3d(5/2) were compared with the copper dispersion calculated from N2O decomposition. ESR results suggest the presence of two types of copper species on the TiO2-ZrO2 support. TPR profiles reveal the presence of highly dispersed copper oxide at lower temperatures and bulk CuO at higher temperatures. The catalytic properties were evaluated for the vapor-phase dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone and related to the dispersion of Cu on TiO2-ZrO2.     

Dispersion and reactivity of copper catalysts supported on Al2O3-ZrO2

A series of CuO/Al(2)O(3)-ZrO(2) catalysts with Cu loadings varying from 1.0 to 20 wt % were prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of CO(2) and NH(3), electron spin resonance (ESR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area measurements. The dispersion and metal area of copper were determined by the N(2)O decomposition method. XRD results suggest that the copper oxide is present in a highly dispersed amorphous state at copper loadings < 10 wt % and as a crystalline CuO phase at higher Cu loadings. ESR results suggest the presence of two types of copper species on the Al(2)O(3)-ZrO(2) support. TPR results suggest well-dispersed copper oxide species at low Cu loadings and crystalline copper oxide species at high Cu loadings. Well-dispersed copper oxide species were reduced more easily than large copper oxide species by H(2). The results of CO(2) TPD suggest that the basicity of the catalysts was found to increase with an increase of copper loading up to 5.0 wt % and decreases with a further increase of copper loading. The results of NH(3) TPD suggest that the acidity of the catalysts was found to decrease with an increase of copper loading up to 5.0 wt % and increases with a further increase of copper loading. The catalytic properties were evaluated for the vapor-phase dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone and correlated with the results of CO(2) TPD measurements and the dispersion of Cu on the Al(2)O(3)-ZrO(2) support.     

Zeolite framework stabilized copper complex inspired by the 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad motif yielding oxidation catalysts

The stabilization of a mononuclear copper(II) complex with one MIm2Pr ligand [MIm2Pr = 3,3-bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)propionate] in the supercages of zeolite Y was attempted, and the resulting materials were tested for their activity in oxidation catalysis. The preparation procedure yielded initially two species (labeled 1 and 2) within the pore system of the zeolite material, which differ in molecular structure and chemical composition as determined by UV/vis, ESR, IR, and XAFS spectroscopy. In species 1, the copper was found to be five-coordinated, with one MIm2Pr ligand in a facial-type NNO coordination toward copper, the other two coordination sites being occupied by oxygen atoms from either the zeolite framework and/or a water molecule. The total charge of this complex is 1+. In species 2, the copper is surrounded by two MIm2Pr ligands, both in a facial-type coordination mode, identical to the homogeneous Cu(MIm2Pr)2 complex. This neutral species 2 is easily washed out of the zeolite, whereas the mononuclear species 1 remains inside the zeolite material upon washing. The spectroscopic characteristics and activity for 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol and benzyl alcohol oxidation of species 1 compared closely with that of the zeolite-immobilized Cu(histidine) complexes but differed from that of the homogeneous Cu(MIm2Pr)2 complex. It was therefore found that encapsulation in zeolite offers a route to stabilize a 5-fold-coordinated copper complex with novel catalytic properties. This 1:1 Cu(MIm2Pr) complex is not formed in solution.     

Direct Conversion of Syngas into Methyl Acetate,Ethanol, and Ethylene by Relay Catalysis via the Intermediate Dimethyl Ether

Selective conversion of syngas (CO/H₂) into C₂₊ oxygenates is a highly attractive but challenging target. Herein, we report the direct conversion of syngas into methyl acetate (MA) by relay catalysis. MA can be formed at a lower temperature (ca. 473 K) using Cu‐Zn‐Al oxide/H‐ZSM‐5 and zeolite mordenite (H‐MOR) catalysts separated by quartz wool (denoted as Cu‐Zn‐Al/H‐ZSM‐5|H‐MOR) and also at higher temperatures (603–643 K) without significant deactivation using spinel‐structured ZnAl₂O₄|H‐MOR. The selectivity of MA and acetic acid (AA) reaches 87 % at a CO conversion of 11 % at 643 K. Dimethyl ether (DME) is the key intermediate and the carbonylation of DME results in MA with high selectivity. We found that the relay catalysis using ZnAl₂O₄|H‐MOR|ZnAl₂O₄ gives ethanol as the major product, while ethylene is formed with a layer‐by‐layer ZnAl₂O₄|H‐MOR|ZnAl₂O₄|H‐MOR combination. Close proximity between ZnAl₂O₄ and H‐MOR increases ethylene selectivity to 65 %.     

Direct Conversion of Syngas into Methyl Acetate,Ethanol, and Ethylene by Relay Catalysis via the Intermediate Dimethyl Ether

Selective conversion of syngas (CO/H₂) into C₂₊ oxygenates is a highly attractive but challenging target. Herein, we report the direct conversion of syngas into methyl acetate (MA) by relay catalysis. MA can be formed at a lower temperature (ca. 473 K) using Cu‐Zn‐Al oxide/H‐ZSM‐5 and zeolite mordenite (H‐MOR) catalysts separated by quartz wool (denoted as Cu‐Zn‐Al/H‐ZSM‐5|H‐MOR) and also at higher temperatures (603–643 K) without significant deactivation using spinel‐structured ZnAl₂O₄|H‐MOR. The selectivity of MA and acetic acid (AA) reaches 87 % at a CO conversion of 11 % at 643 K. Dimethyl ether (DME) is the key intermediate and the carbonylation of DME results in MA with high selectivity. We found that the relay catalysis using ZnAl₂O₄|H‐MOR|ZnAl₂O₄ gives ethanol as the major product, while ethylene is formed with a layer‐by‐layer ZnAl₂O₄|H‐MOR|ZnAl₂O₄|H‐MOR combination. Close proximity between ZnAl₂O₄ and H‐MOR increases ethylene selectivity to 65 %.     

MOR/SBA-15复合分子筛的合成、表征及其催化性能评价

采用MOR纳米晶和正硅酸四乙酯为硅源,P123三嵌段共聚物为模板剂水热合成MOR/SBA-15复合分子筛催化剂。采用XRD、SEM、TEM和EDX等手段对催化剂进行了表征,在固定床反应器中评价二甲醚制乙醇催化性能。结果表明,通过控制合适的MOR纳米晶种及MOR纳米晶种在SBA-15水热合成体系中的添加量,可以成功地将MOR纳米晶作为SBA-15的结构单元嫁接到SBA-15的介孔骨架中,水热合成的MOR/SBA-15复合分子筛催化剂同时具有MOR和SBA-15的XRD特征衍射峰,相比于SBA-15,其比表面积和总孔体积由756 m2·g~(-1),1.07 cm3·g~(-1)降低至628 m2·g~(-1),0.85 cm3·g~(-1),平均孔径由8.1 nm提高到9.3nm,Cu修饰的MOR/SBA-15复合分子筛催化剂同时具有Cu MOR羰基化和Cu SBA-15加氢的双功能催化性能,其催化剂评价结果显示二甲醚转化率为43.6%左右,乙醇选择性为95.3%,Cu MOR/SBA-15复合分子筛催化剂实现了二甲醚到乙醇的一步转化。     

Characterization of CuO supported on tetragonal ZrO2 catalysts for N2O decomposition to N2

A series of tetragonal zirconia-supported CuO oxide catalysts with various CuO loadings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron spin resonance (ESR), ultraviolet and visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV/vis-DRS), and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) measurements. The results indicate that the dispersion capacity of copper oxide on this support is approximately 8.6 Cu(2+) ions/nm(2) ZrO(2). The state of the resulting supported copper species depends on the CuO loading. At CuO loadings below the dispersion capacity, only highly dispersed copper ion species are present on the surface of t-ZrO(2). In particular, isolated Cu ions are the predominant species at low loadings. In contrast, pair Cu ions become the most abundant species at loadings near the dispersion capacity. It has been proposed that these dispersed CuO (isolated and paired Cu ions) have a symmetric 5-fold-oxygen-coordination symmetry (C(3)(v) symmetry) and can be described as distorted octahedra with a missing corner or a trigonal bipyramids. Finally, at CuO loadings above the dispersion capacity the formation of crystalline CuO is observed. TPR results reveal that the dispersed Cu ion species have a different reducibility from CuO crystallites, presumably due to strong interactions between these species and the t-ZrO(2) support. The catalytic activity of these CuO/t-ZrO(2) catalysts for the decomposition of N(2)O can also be directly correlated to CuO dispersion, with paired Cu ions being the most active species for this reaction.     

Distribution and properties of catalytically active Cu2+ sites in mesoporous MCM-41 modified with Al, Zr, or W ions

The surface of pure mesoporous SiO₂ with an MCM-41 structure has been modified by introducing Al, Zr, or W ions (1 mmol/g). The original and modified materials have been loaded with Cu²⁺ ions. The distribution, properties, and thermal stability of different Cu²⁺ sites have been studied by EPR and IR spectroscopy. The resulting catalysts have been tested for activity in ethane oxidation. The modification of original MCM-41 exerts a very strong effect on the stability of isolated Cu²⁺ ions on the support surface. Among the modified supports, Al-MCM-41 affords the highest thermal stability and degree of dispersion (70–80%) of the copper-containing phase. There is no correlation between the total number of surface Cu²⁺ sites and the catalytic activity. The specific catalytic activity (per Cu²⁺ ion accessible to the reactants) depends strongly on the local structure of the sites. The isolated pentacoordinated Cu²⁺ sites stabilized by the Al-MCM-41 surface show a comparatively high activity in the sample calcined at 520°C. The heat treatment of Cu/Al-MCM-41 at 650–750°C reduces the specific activity of the catalytic sites by a factor of ～20 without sintering the copper phase, as in the case of CuHZSM-5 zeolite. The least dispersed copper phase, which is observed in the original MCM-41 and likely consists of aggregates of weakly interacting Cu²⁺ ions, exhibits the highest specific activity and thermal stability. In the case of Cu/W-MCM-41, heat treatment causes both the sintering of copper particles and a decrease in the specific activity of the surface Cu²⁺ ions.     

Carbene in Cupredoxin Protein Scaffolds: Replacement of a Histidine Ligand in the Active Site Substantially Alters Copper Redox Properties

N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have had a major impact in homogeneous catalysis, however, their potential role in biological systems is essentially unexplored. We replaced a copper‐coordinating histidine (His) in the active site of the redox enzyme azurin with exogenous dimethyl imidazolylidene. This NHC rapidly restores the type‐1 Cu center, with spectroscopic properties (EPR, UV/Vis) that are identical to those from N‐coordination of the His in the wild type. However, the introduction of the NHC markedly alters the redox potential of the metal, which is a key functionality of this blue copper protein. These results suggest that C‐bonding for histidine is plausible and a potentially relevant bonding mode of redox‐active metalloenzymes in their (transient) active states.     

Cancer‐Cell Imaging Using Copper‐Doped Zeolite Imidazole Framework‐8 Nanocrystals Exhibiting Oxidative Catalytic Activity

Copper‐doped zeolite imidazole framework‐8 (Cu/ZIF‐8) was prepared and its peroxidase‐like oxidative catalytic activity was examined with a demonstration of its applicability for cancer‐cell imaging. Through simple solution chemistry at room temperature, Cu/ZIF‐8 nanocrystals were produced that catalytically oxidized an organic substrate of o‐phenylenediamine in the presence of H₂O₂. In a similar manner to peroxidase, the Cu/ZIF‐8 nanocrystals oxidized the substrate through a ping‐pong mechanism with an activation energy of 59.2 kJ mol⁻¹. The doped Cu atoms functioned as active sites in which the active Cu intermediates were expected to be generated during the catalysis, whereas the undoped ZIF‐8 did not show any oxidative activity. Cu/ZIF‐8 nanocrystals exhibited low cell toxicity and displayed catalytic activity through interaction with H₂O₂ among various reactive oxygen species in a cancer cell. This oxidative activity in vitro allowed cancer‐cell imaging by exploiting the photoluminescence emitted from the oxidized product of o‐phenylenediamine, which was insignificant in the absence of the Cu/ZIF‐8 nanocrystals. The results of this study suggest that the Cu/ZIF‐8 nanocrystal is a promising catalyst for the analysis of the microbiological systems.     

ZSM-5／MOR复合分子筛催化剂对混合C4烃转化反应的催化性能

以ZSM-5/丝光沸石(MOR)复合分子筛为催化剂,对混合C4烃的催化转化反应进行了评价,并采用程序升温脱附和原位红外光谱技术对ZSM-5/MOR的酸性进行了表征. 结果表明,与ZSM-5相比, MOR具有很低的催化活性,但ZSM-5/MOR复合分子筛具有较高的催化活性,随着ZSM-5/MOR复合分子筛中ZSM-5含量的增加, C4烃转化率稍有升高;在C4烃转化率大致相同的情况下,乙烯和丙烯的总选择性比较接近,但苯和甲苯的总收率却快速升高. 随着ZSM-5/MOR复合分子筛中ZSM-5含量的增加,弱酸和中强酸的酸量逐渐减少,强酸的酸量有所增加. 由于ZSM-5/MOR复合分子筛中MOR对ZSM-5起到分散作用而产生更多的L酸中心,且此L酸中心处于分子筛的外表面而具有较高的能量,导致苯和甲苯的总收率升高.     

Cu‐Based Nanoparticles as Emerging Environmental Catalysts

This account provides an overview of current research activities on nanoparticles containing the earth‐abundant and inexpensive element copper (Cu) and Cu‐based nanoparticles, especially in the field of environmental catalysis. The different synthetic strategies with possible modification of the chemical/ physical properties of these nanoparticles using such strategies and/or conditions to improve catalytic activity are presented. The design and development of support and/or bimetallic systems (e. g., alloys, intermetallic, etc.) are also included. Herein, we report synthetic approaches of Cu and Cu‐based nanoparticles (monometallic copper, bimetallic copper and copper (II) oxide nanoparticles/nanostructures) and impregnation of such nanoparticles onto support material (e. g., Co₃O₄ nanostructure), along with their applications as environmental catalyst for various oxidation and reduction reactions. Finally, this account provides necessary advances and perspectives of Cu‐based nanoparticles in the environmental catalysis.     

Production of hydrogen by oxidative steam reforming of methanol over Cu/SiO2 catalysts

Selective production of hydrogen by oxidative steam reforming of methanol (OSRM) was studied over Cu/SiO₂ catalyst using fixed bed flow reactor. Textural and structural properties of the catalyst were analyzed by various instrumental methods. TPR analysis illustrates that the reduction temperature peak was observed between 510?K and 532?K at various copper loadings and calcination temperatures and the peaks shifted to higher temperature with increasing copper loading and calcination temperature. The XRD and XPS analysis demonstrates that the copper existed in different oxidation states at different conditions: Cu₂O, Cu⁰, CuO and Cu(OH)₂ in uncalcined sample; CuO in calcined sample: Cu₂O and metallic Cu after reduction at 600?K and Cu⁰ and CuO after catalytic test. TEM analysis reveals that at various copper loadings, the copper particle size is in the range between 3.0?nm and 3.8?nm. The Cu particle size after catalytic test increased from 3.6 to 4.8?nm, which is due to the formation of oxides of copper as evidenced from XRD and XPS analysis. The catalytic performance at various Cu loadings shows that with increasing Cu loading from 4.7 to 17.3?wt%, the activity increases and thereafter it decreases. Effect of calcination shows that the sample calcined at 673?K exhibited high activity. The O₂/CH₃OH and H₂O/CH₃OH molar ratios play important role in reaction rate and product distribution. The optimum molar ratios of O₂/CH₃OH and H₂O/CH₃OH are 0.25 and 0.1, respectively. When the reaction temperature varied from 473 to 548?K, the methanol conversion and H₂ production rate are in the range of 21.9–97.5% and 1.2–300.9?mmol?kg^?1?s^?1, respectively. The CO selectivity is negligible at these temperatures. Under the optimum conditions (17.3?wt%, Cu/SiO₂; calcination temperature 673?K; 0.25 O₂/CH₃OH molar ratio, 0.5 H₂O/CH₃OH molar ratio and reaction temperature 548?K), the maximum hydrogen yield obtained was 2.45?mol of hydrogen per mole of methanol. The time on stream stability test showed that the Cu/SiO₂ catalyst is quite stable for 48?h.     

Characterization and catalytic functionalities of copper oxide catalysts supported on zirconia

A series of zirconia supported copper oxide catalysts with varying copper loadings (1.2-19.1 wt %) were prepared by impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and temperature-programmed desorption of CO2. Copper dispersion and metal area were determined by N2O decomposition method. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate the presence of crystalline CuO phase beyond 2.7 wt % of Cu on zirconia. UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra suggest the presence of two types of copper species on the ZrO2 support. XPS peaks intensity ratio of Cu 2p3/2 and Zr 3d5/2 was compared with Cu dispersion calculated from N2O decomposition. TPR patterns reveal the presence of highly dispersed copper oxide at lower temperatures and bulk CuO at higher temperatures. The basicity of the catalysts was found to increase with Cu loading, and the activity of the catalysts was also found to increase with the increase in Cu loading up to 2.7 wt % Cu loading. The catalytic properties were evaluated for the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone and were related to surface properties of the copper species supported on zirconia.