Comparing the Performance of Supported Ru Nanocatalysts Prepared by Chemical Reduction of RuCl3 and Thermal Decomposition of Ru3(CO)12 in the Sunlight-Powered Sabatier Reaction

The preparation of Ru nanoparticles supported on γ-Al2O3 followed by chemical reduction using RuCl3 as a precursor is demonstrated, and their properties are compared to prepared impregnation with Ru3(CO)12 subsequent thermal decomposition. resulting from slightly larger (1.2 vs. 0.8 nm). In addition, were deposited Stöber SiO2 both deposition techniques. These particles than the ones (2.5 3.4 nm for decomposition, respectively). Taking into account size differences between nanoparticles, all catalysts display similar activity (0.14–0.63 mol·gRu−1·h−1) selectivity (≥99%) in sunlight-powered Sabatier reaction. Ergo, use toxic volatile can be avoided, since catalytic performance.