Ru-Co single-atom alloy catalysts for efficient amination of alcohols: A synergistic effect

Synthesis of primary amines from alcohols is an economical and green route to access high-value N-compounds. However, challenges remain to develop both cost-effective and efficient catalysts. In this study, we developed a Ru-Co/ZrO 2 single-atom alloy catalyst which afforded diverse primary amines from alcohols in the presence of ammonia and hydrogen with exceptional conversion (up to 90%) and selectivity (80%) under mild conditions (0.7 MPa NH 3 , 0.3 MPa H 2 , 160 °C) and exhibited satisfactory stability upon regeneration. The turnover rate was approximately 8.4 times higher than that observed over the Co/ZrO 2 catalyst. Characterizations indicated that the alloyed Ru facilitated the reduction of Co, strengthened the interaction with H 2 and mitigated the over-strong adsorption of aldehyde intermediates. These combined effects contributed significantly to the enhanced catalytic performances. This work presents a promising strategy for the development of advanced catalysts in the amination of alcohols.