Pd/TiN nanocomposite catalysts for selective hydrogenation of phenol and its derivatives

Abstract

Abstract Pd/TiN nanocomposite catalysts were fabricated for one-step selective hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone successfully. High conversion of phenol (99%) and selectivity of cyclohexanone (98%) were obtained at 30 °C and 0.2 MPa H2 for 12 h in the mixed solvents of H2O and CH2Cl2. The Pd nanoparticles were stable in the reaction, and no aggregation was detected after four successive runs. The catalytic activity and selectivity depended on slightly the Pd particle sizes. The generality of the catalysts for this reaction was demonstrated by the selective hydrogenation of phenol derivatives, which showed that the catalyst was selective for the formation of cyclohexanone.