Understanding support effects on Rh2P catalyzed styrene hydroformylation by combining characterizations and kinetics

Styrene hydroformylation over Rh 2 P loaded on different oxides was compared to investigate support effects on catalytic performance. The electron density of Rh was probed by CO-DRIFTS, and the acid-base properties of the catalysts were detected by NH 3 - and CO 2 -TPD. Rh 2 P had higher electron density when loaded on basic supports, and n -type semiconductor showed additional electron donation effects compared to isolators. A kinetics model was established to identify hydrogen addition as the rate-determining step, and the changes in rate constant and adsorption equilibrium with different supports were compared. Electron donation from the supports was found to promote the activity of Rh 2 P via weakening styrene and aldehyde adsorption and facilitating hydrogen addition. The advantage of using CeO 2 ( i.e. , basic oxide with n -type semiconductivity) as the support was suggested.