Tailoring selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde with MoOx-functionalized Ni nanocrystals

Abstract

Selective hydrogenation of CC and CO bonds in cinnamaldehyde is highly challenging and extremely important in both industrial production and fundamental research. This study demonstrates a versatile and easy scale-up method to modulate the electronic properties of the active Ni sites via tuning metal–support interaction. The addition of MoO_x species onto the ZrO₂ support could improve the dispersion of Ni particles by forming Ni–O and Ni–Mo bonds. The electron donation from Ni to Mo results in the formation of electron-deficient Ni active centers, which significantly enhances the hydrogenation activity (∼5-fold) toward CC bonds while maintaining low reactivity toward CO bonds. This investigation demonstrates a facile approach for the rational design and modulation of the supported active sites.