Glucose hydrogenation over Ru nanoparticles embedded in templated porous carbon

Abstract

In this study, the template synthesis method was used to prepare ruthenium nanoparticles sandwiched in the pore walls of porous carbons. The materials were used as a catalyst for glucose hydrogenation. Compared with a commercial nickel catalyst and ruthenium catalysts prepared using other methods, the Ru nanoparticles sandwiched in the carbon pore walls displayed a remarkably high catalytic activity and stability in hydrogenation of glucose because of the unique surface contact between the Ru nanoparticles and the carbon supports, together with the unblocked pores, firm immobilization and high dispersion of Ru nanoparticles in the carbon matrix. Moreover, the pore structure had a significant influence on the catalytic results. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.