Tuning the selectivity of phenol hydrogenation using Pd, Rh and Ru nanoparticles supported on ceria- and titania-modified silicas

The large-scale production of biomass-derived fuels generates large amounts lignocellulosic residues that may further be converted into bio-derived value-added chemicals. Here, we investigate the selective hydrogenation phenol as a model compound for derivatives. Pre-formed PVP-stabilized nanoparticles (NPs) Pd, Ru and Rh prepared using an organometallic approach were immobilized on different magnetic silica-based supports modified with TiO2 or CeO2. In studies, Pd NP catalysts show high selectivity towards cyclohexanone, while primarily afford cyclohexanol. Titania-containing increase cyclohexanol both Pd- Rh-based catalysts. Interestingly, combination NPs titania-modified silica results in 100 % After removal PVP-stabilizer by thermal treatment, catalyst combining leads to cyclohexanone. Despite difficulties associated de-polymerization biomass residues, development new materials highly transformations platform molecules contributes sustainable various chemicals several applications.