Synergy between the metal nanoparticles and the support for the hydrogenation of functionalized carboxylic acids to diols on Ru/TiO2

Ruthenium nanoparticles supported on titania are over three times more active than conventional ruthenium on carbon for the hydrogenation of lactic acid. This superior catalytic activity can be due to a combined action of small ruthenium nanoparticles and the titania support.