Ru Nanoparticles Entrapped in Ordered Mesoporous Carbons: An Efficient and Reusable Catalyst for Liquid-Phase Hydrogenation

Abstract Ru nanoparticles entrapped in ordered mesoporous carbons (CMK-3) served as an efficient and reusable catalyst for liquid-phase hydrogenation of benzaldehyde and its derivatives under our tested conditions (medium hydrogen pressure, room temperature, water as solvent). The Ru nanoparticles can be well stabilized by CMK-3 ordered mesoporous carbons so that the Ru leaching was below the detection limit of ICP-AES. Therefore, the Ru/CMK-3 catalyst can be used for at least five times without distinct loss in activity or selectivity for the hydrogenation of benzaldehyde. It is worthy of note that the Ru/CMK-3 catalyst was more efficient than the commercial Ru/C and homemade Ru/AC catalyst for the liquid-phase hydrogenation of benzaldehyde. The Ru/CMK-3 catalyst can also catalyze the liquid-phase hydrogenation of nitrobenzene and its derivatives with high conversions and excellent selectivities under optimal conditions. Graphical Abstract