Synergistic catalysis between nano-Ni and nano semiconductor CeO2 of Ni hybrid nanostructured catalysts for highly efficient selective hydrogenation

Abstract

Selective catalytic hydrogenations are widely used in oil-cut purification and the generation of intermediates for polymer applications. Herein we report novel hybrid nano-structured catalysts Ni/@-CeO₂/SBA-15 and Ni/@-CeO₂/MCM-22. Ni nanoparticles were anchored on a nano-semiconductor film supported on a highly specific surface carrier, and catalyst activity was evaluated by hydrogenation of styrene, which served as a model reaction. Both catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic performance, approaching that of platinum, palladium and other precious metal catalysts, which was attributed to the synergistic catalysis of metal nanoparticles and the nano-semiconductor film layer. The reactants were completely converted with 100% selectivity over these catalysts under mild reaction conditions. Importantly, both catalysts can be reused many times with 100% selectivity but slightly reduced conversion. This work provides a promising approach for developing non-noble metal nano-structured catalysts.