Highly selective hydrogenation of arenes over Rh nanoparticles immobilized on a-Al2O3 support at room temperature

Selective hydrogenation of arenes is a crucial process not only for the hydrogen storage and transport but also for the synthesis of important pharmaceutical intermediates. Herein, a series of a-Al2O3-supported catalysts prepared using different metals were tested for the arenes hydrogenation of lignin derivatives at room temperature. The kinetic studies reveal that Rh-1/a-Al2O3 exhibits both the highest reaction rate and TOF value for the conversion of diphenyl ether and toluene. The XRD, TEM, XPS and XAS character-izations suggest that the metal Rh nanoparticles dispersed on a-Al2O3 support for Rh-1/a-Al2O3 catalyst is mainly responsible for the H2 activation/dissociation and subsequent arenes hydrogenation. The den-sity functional theory calculation indicates the stronger adsorption capacity of toluene and guaiacol on Rh (200) than that on Rh (111) and Rh (220). Stable Rh-1/a-Al2O3 can contribute to the improvement of the arenes hydrogenation of lignin derivatives to produce high-value-added platform chemicals at room temperature.(c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigates a series of catalysts supported on a-Al2O3 and prepared with different metals for the hydrogenation of lignin derivatives at room temperature. Rh-1/a-Al2O3 catalyst exhibits the highest reaction rate and TOF value for diphenyl ether and toluene conversion. Characterization results suggest that dispersed Rh nanoparticles on a-Al2O3 support are responsible for hydrogen activation/dissociation and subsequent arenes hydrogenation. DFT calculation shows the stronger adsorption capacity of toluene and guaiacol on Rh (200) compared to Rh (111) and Rh (220). Stable Rh-1/a-Al2O3 catalyst contributes to the improvement of lignin derivatives hydrogenation at room temperature, promoting the production of high-value-added platform chemicals.