Anchoring Ru Active Sites on N-CNTs for an Improved One-pot Cellobiose Conversion

In this contribution, N-doped carbon nanotubes were obtained through nitrogen plasma treatment and used as the anchoring sites for Ru catalysts in one-pot cellobiose conversion to hexitols. XPS and HR TEM-EDS analysis revealed a successful introduction of N on CNTs using 300 min nitrogen plasma treatment. Both the activation ability and the amount of activated H-2 were improved by the N-anchored Ru active phase, leading to a much-enhanced hexitols yield. The hexitols yield reached 91.5% on Ru/CNT-P-t300 catalyst, being substantially higher than those on Ru/AC (56.84%) and Ru/CNT (76.84%). DFT simulation results verified the enhanced H-2 activation ability. The Eb value of the Ru4 cluster binds with (5, 5) CNT and (5, 5) N-CNT was -4.11 and -4.66 eV, respectively, suggesting that the graphitic-N engaged as the anchoring sites for Ru via strong interaction. The research highlights a green and facile strategy to dope N element as the anchoring sites for noble metal catalyst in improving H-2 activation capability for a broad hydrogenation application.

Automated summary

N-doped carbon nanotubes were used as anchoring sites for Ru catalysts, resulting in improved hexitols yield in cellobiose conversion. The N-anchored Ru active phase enhanced the activation ability and amount of activated H-2, leading to a much higher hexitols yield compared to other catalysts. DFT simulation results confirmed the enhanced H-2 activation ability through strong interaction between Ru and graphitic-N. This research highlights a green and facile strategy for improving H-2 activation capability in hydrogenation applications.