Ru nanoparticles on mesostructured carbon for glucose hydrogenation; catalysts synthesis and characterization

Ru-containing hydrogenation catalysts based on functionalized carbon material CMK-3 (Carbon Mesostructured by KAIST) were developed. Mesostructured silicate SBA-15 with enlarged wall channels was used as a template for the carbon replica synthesis. The effect of carbon material functionalization via moist air oxidation and sulfonation on the morphology, physicochemical properties and activity of the catalyst was studied. The dispersion, localization, and electronic state of supported ruthenium were determined depending on the support functionalization method. The initial support structure preservation after Ru deposition was confirmed by a set of physicochemical methods. Metal particles are finely distributed with no agglomerated present, providing a high active site accessibility and ensures a superb catalyst activity. The catalysts were tested in glucose to sorbitol hydrogenation. The results showed that pore morphology and carbon support initial structure preservation account for the catalytic activity of Ru nanoparticles.