Modified Copper-Silica Catalyst: High-Selectivity Catalyst for Aniline & o-Toluidine Production

Aniline is one of the most important organic intermediates in the chemical industry. It is the starting material for synthetic dyes, rubber chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and polyurethane (via MDI). Global aniline demand continues to grow, with the market valued at USD 9.50 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 14.08 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.77%.

Behind every ton of aniline produced through catalytic hydrogenation is a catalyst. And for the majority of global aniline production, that catalyst is a modified copper-silica catalyst.

The Modified Copper-Silica Catalyst (Aniline, o-Toluidine Catalyst) is a grass-green, microspherical solid designed for the gas-phase hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to aniline and o-nitrotoluene to o-toluidine. With nitrobenzene conversion ≥ 99.5% and aniline selectivity ≥ 99%, it delivers the performance that modern aniline producers require.

Modified copper-silica catalyst is a composite material made of copper-based active particles supported on a modified silica gel matrix. It combines the catalytic activity of copper with the high specific surface area and high porosity of silica gel to form a catalyst with excellent catalytic performance.

The production and application of modified copper-silica catalyst follow the Chinese industry standard HG/T 4828-2015, which was issued in July 2015 and officially implemented on January 1, 2016. The standard specifies requirements, test methods, inspection rules, labeling, packaging, transportation, and storage。

Note: Specifications can be customized according to your specific requirements.

The hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to aniline is a highly exothermic reaction normally conducted in a fluidized bed reactor. The reaction pathway involves the initial dissociation of the two N–O bonds of nitrobenzene (Ph-NO₂ → Ph-NO → Ph-N), followed by two successive hydrogenation steps (Ph-N → Ph-NH → Ph-NH₂) that finally produce aniline.

The challenge for any catalyst is selectivity. Side reactions can produce azo compounds, tars, and other by-products that contaminate the final product. For aniline used in MDI production, the concentration of residual nitrobenzene in the aniline product must be lower than 5 ppm after distillation.

Modified copper-silica catalyst addresses this challenge through:

The silica gel support provides a high specific surface area (350–450 m²/g) that allows copper particles to be highly dispersed, maximizing the number of active sites available for the reaction.

The addition of promoters such as chromium and molybdenum improves copper dispersion and stability, reducing copper crystallite sintering during operation. Modified Cu-Cr-Mo/SiO₂ catalysts show significantly higher load capacity compared to unmodified single-copper catalysts.

The pore volume (0.65–0.75 mL/g) and pore size distribution facilitate efficient mass transfer of reactants and products, minimizing the formation of by-products.

Research on sol-gel derived Cu-SiO₂ catalysts has demonstrated that the crystallite size remains intact even after more than 200 hours of operation, whereas co-precipitated catalysts show significant agglomeration. The sol-gel Cu-SiO₂ achieves aniline selectivity up to 99.5% at higher temperatures, while co-precipitated samples decline to 98.5%.

Modern copper silicate catalysts have also demonstrated recyclability, with complete selectivity retained over 8 cycles and only a marginal yield decrease to 93% in the ninth run. Scale-up testing for nitrobenzene reduction has provided quantitative aniline product, confirming the industrial viability of copper-based catalysts.

The primary application of modified copper-silica catalyst is the production of aniline by fluidized bed gas-phase hydrogenation of nitrobenzene. This is the dominant industrial route for aniline production, accounting for approximately 85% of global capacity.

The catalyst is used in fluidized bed reactors where nitrobenzene vapor and hydrogen gas pass through a fluidized catalyst bed at elevated temperatures. The modified copper-silica catalyst provides:

The catalyst is also used for the production of o-toluidine by fluidized bed gas-phase hydrogenation of o-nitrotoluene. o-Toluidine is an important intermediate in dyes, pesticides, medicines, and organic synthesis.

Modified copper-silica catalyst can also be applied to the hydrogenation of m-, p-, and mixed nitrotoluenes to the corresponding toluidines.

In addition to its catalytic applications, modified copper-silica gel can be used to remove sulfides from oil and natural gas, supporting clean production in the energy industry.

将改性Cu-Cr-Mo/SiO₂催化剂与商用单铜催化剂进行对比的研究表明，改性催化剂的负载能力比单铜催化剂高50–170%，稳定性显著提高。

Note: During storage, avoid contact with other chemicals, ensure the storage area is well-ventilated and dry, and keep away from direct sunlight.

The global aniline market is expanding, driven by demand for MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) in polyurethane production, rubber chemicals, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. The market is projected to grow from USD 10.17 billion in 2025 to USD 13.27 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.5%.

As aniline producers expand capacity and upgrade process efficiency, demand for high-performance catalysts grows accordingly. Advances in catalytic hydrogenation are reshaping production cost structures and impurity profiles, enabling producers to differentiate on purity tiers.

The development of cost-effective catalysts such as copper alternatives improves nitrobenzene hydrogenation performance while reducing environmental impact, making modified copper-silica catalyst a strategic choice for aniline producers.

stable supply and factory-direct pricing.

product meets Chinese industry standard for modified copper-silica gel.

苯胺选择性 ≥ 99%，硝基苯转化率 ≥ 99.5%。

改性Cu-Cr-Mo配方，稳定性增强。

specifications can be tailored to your specific process requirements.

our team can provide technical data and application guidance.

efficient logistics from China to global markets.

We are committed to supplying high-performance modified copper-silica catalyst for the aniline, toluidine, and fine chemical industries.

It is mainly used as a catalyst for the production of aniline by fluidized bed gas-phase hydrogenation of nitrobenzene and for the production of o-toluidine by fluidized bed gas-phase hydrogenation of o-nitrotoluene. It can also be used for m-, p-, and mixed toluidine production, as well as desulfurization of oil and natural gas.

The copper content (as Cu) is 16–20 wt%.

The nitrobenzene conversion rate is ≥ 99.5%.

The aniline selectivity is ≥ 99%.

The particle size is 20–120 mesh.

The product complies with Chinese industry standard HG/T 4828-2015 for modified copper-silica gel.

The product is packaged in paper drums with a net weight of 25 kg per drum.

Store in a well-ventilated, dry area. Avoid contact with other chemicals and keep away from direct sunlight.

Yes, technical data sheets and certificates of analysis are available upon request.

For quotations, technical data sheets, or samples of Modified Copper-Silica Catalyst (Aniline, o-Toluidine Catalyst), please contact us:

📧 Email: info@jusenchem.com

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Jusen Chem — your reliable partner for high-performance copper-silica catalysts and fine chemical solutions.