Nanometer-thick defective graphene films decorated with oriented ruthenium nanoparticles. Higher activity of 101 vs 002 plane for silane-alcohol coupling and hydrogen transfer reduction

Pyrolysis of ammonium alginate films containing Ru(NH3)6Cl3 leads to the formation Ru nanoparticles (NPs) supported on defective graphene films. The procedure allows controlling preferential facet orientation small NPs (5–20 nm), either 002 when pyrolysis is carried out under Ar atmosphere or and 101 planes for in presence H2. a metal difficult prepare compared noble metals due its higher reactivity smaller particle size. Theoretical calculations substantiated inhibition Ru(0 0 2) growth by H2 adsorption, with restructuration Ru(002–101) NPs. about 15 nm thickness one two types (150 ng/cm2) exhibit distinctive catalytic activity dehydrogenative coupling silanes alcohols hydrogen transfer reduction cyclohexanone. Comparison turnover frequencies indicates that more efficient than plane. Overall, this study illustrates conditions can control crystallographic growing relative their specific planes.