The bimetallic effect promotes the activity of Rh in catalyzed selective hydrogenation of phenol

Abstract

Au@RhPd ultrathin nanowires are designed as a highly reactive and selective catalyst for the hydrogenation of phenol under ambient conditions. Au NWs modulate the electronic state of Rh atoms to enhance the adsorption of phenol and desorption of cyclohexanone. Pd works as a cocatalyst to activate H₂ to H* and spillover to Rh sites. This new catalyst shows a turnover frequency of up to 560 h⁻¹ for a wide spectrum of phenols with >80% selectivity toward cyclohexanones.