Tuning Pt-Co electronic interaction in PtCo/La2O2CO3 toward enhanced selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde

The selective hydrogenation of α, β-unsaturated aldehydes to unsaturated alcohols is of great industrial significance, yet the development of highly active and stable catalysts remains a substantial challenge. This study employs hydrothermal and sodium borohydride reduction methods to synthesize high-performance PtCo/La 2 O 2 CO 3 catalysts for cinnamaldehyde selective hydrogenation. The electronic interaction between Pt and Co (electrons transferring from Pt to Co) can be precisely tailored by adjusting Pt and Co contents, which effectively modulates activation behavior of H 2 on the catalyst surface. This electronic modulation leads to distinguished catalytic activity, with PtCo/La 2 O 2 CO 3 -3 (Pt-1.75 wt%, Co-0.45 wt%) exhibiting the weakest Pt-Co interaction and thus achieving the excellent catalytic performance (cinnamaldehyde conversion-97.7%, cinnamyl alcohol selectivity-90.7%) under mild conditions (60 °C, 1.5 h, 2.0 MPa H 2 ). This study elucidates the synergistic mechanisms in PtCo bimetallic catalysts and establishes a versatile strategy for designing efficient multifunctional catalytic systems through the integration of bimetallic synergy.