Selectivity Engineering and Efficacy of the Ru-Ni@RGO Catalyst in Hydrogenation of p-tert-Butylphenol to p-tert-Butylcyclohexanol

The selective synthesis of p-tert-butylcyclohexanol (PTBCHOL) from p-tert-butylphenol (PTBP) via hydrogenation is an important catalytic system in fine chemical synthesis. In this study, a bimetallic Ru-Ni@RGO nanocatalyst was engineered and evaluated for its effectiveness in achieving high selectivity and conversion rates. The Ru-Ni nanometals were supported on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) using an in situ reduction method, employing ethylene glycol as a green solvent and reducing agent. By varying the amounts of Ru and Ni, the impact on product selectivity was assessed, and it was found that 30% Ru-Ni (2:1) @RGO catalyst performed exceptionally well. Under optimized conditions of 15 atm and 80 degrees C, the catalyst achieved 100% conversion and 100% selectivity in 2 h. The process parameters were carefully optimized, the catalyst thoroughly characterized, and a kinetic study done to obtain activation energy. 10% Ru-Ni (2:1) @RGO catalyst demonstrated remarkable activity, selectivity, and robustness.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel nanocatalyst was designed and evaluated for the selective synthesis of p-tert-butylcyclohexanol via hydrogenation. The 30% Ru-Ni (2:1) @RGO catalyst showed excellent performance, achieving 100% conversion and selectivity. The preparation and properties of the catalyst were thoroughly optimized and studied.