Heterogeneous nickel catalyst for selective hydration of silanes to silanols

Selective catalytic hydration of silanes to silanols is studied by Ni metal nanoparticles (NPs) on activated carbon (Ni/C) prepared by in situ H2-reduction of NiO-loaded activated carbon (NiO/C). The catalytic activity of Ni/C increases with decrease in the average Ni particle size. Ni/C with the smallest size (7.6 nm) exhibits a high selectivity for silanols, high turnover number (TON) of 9300, and excellent reusability. Studies on the structure–activity relationship show that metallic Ni species on the surface of small Ni metal particles are catalytically active species. Based on mechanistic studies, a catalytic cycle involving the activation of Et3SiH as the rate limiting step is proposed.

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► Ni metal nanoparticles on activated carbon (Ni/C) prepared by in situ H2-reduction of NiO/C.
► The catalytic activity of Ni/C increases with a decrease in the Ni particle size.
► Ni/C with the smallest size (7.6 nm) exhibits a high activity and selectivity for selective hydration of silanes to silanols.