Synthesis of Alumina-Supported RhSn Alloy Nanocatalysts by Using Rh@Sn Core-Shell Nanoparticle Precursors for Toluene Catalytic Hydrogenation

In this work, alumina-supported RhSn alloy nano catalysts were prepared for toluene hydrogenation. Rh@Sn core- shell nanoparticles were first synthesized through a sequential reduction method and then in situ transformed into RhSn alloy on alumina by calcination and H2 reduction. Relative to Rh/Al2O3, Rh1Sn0.7/Al2O3 catalysts demonstrate enhanced catalytic efficiency for hydrogenation of toluene. At a toluene/Rh molar ratio of 118/ 1, 0.1 MPa of H2 pressure, and 45 degrees C, 99.2% of methyl cyclohexane yield was achieved at 2.0 h. The enhanced catalytic efficiency of Rh1Sn0.7/Al2O3 can be ascribed to the synergistic effect between Rh and Sn.

Automated summary

Alumina-supported RhSn alloy nano catalysts were prepared through sequential reduction method, resulting in the transformation of Rh@Sn core-shell nanoparticles into RhSn alloy on alumina. The Rh1Sn0.7/Al2O3 catalysts exhibited enhanced catalytic efficiency for toluene hydrogenation compared to Rh/Al2O3. A methyl cyclohexane yield of 99.2% was achieved at a toluene/Rh molar ratio of 118/1, 0.1 MPa H2 pressure, and 45°C within 2.0 hours. The improved catalytic efficiency of Rh1Sn0.7/Al2O3 can be attributed to the synergistic effect between Rh and Sn.