Carbon nanofibers supported nickel catalyst for liquid phase hydrogenation of benzene with high activity and selectivity

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) prepared by catalytic decomposition of ethylene are used as support for nickel. The CNF support displays a mean diameter of 50-60 nm, lengths up to several tens of micrometers, as highlighted by TEM. The nickel particles have a size distribution from 10 to 20 nm of diameter. This novel Ni/CNFs catalyst displays good catalytic properties in liquid phase hydrogenation of benzene at a reaction temperature of around 180 degrees C.