Colloidal ruthenium (Ru) nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled morphology were synthesized by a facile phase-transfer protocol, using octadecylamine (ODA) as stabilizer. The as-synthesized Ru NPs were anchored to a mesoporous silica support (MSU-F) by sonication-assisted deposition, and activated by three different thermal treatments. The Ru NPs maintained a uniform morphology and good dispersion on the support during the thermal treatments. Thermal reduction at 350°C and Ar-protected calcination at 650°C completely removed the stabilizing ligand, and improved particle crystallinity. The supported Ru NPs showed promising catalytic performance for aqueous phase hydrogenation of the α-keto site of pyruvic acid, with the catalyst activated at 650°C giving the highest activity, presumably because of the higher density of surface active sites. Post-reaction characterizations suggest that the morphologies of the Ru NPs are maintained during hydrogenation, while the particles tend to migrate on the support framework.

Structural and catalytic properties of silica-supported ruthenium nanocatalysts synthesized by a facile phase-transfer protocol

252nd National Meeting (2016)

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