Size-controlled synthesis of a supported Ni nanoparticle catalyst for selective hydrogenation of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol

We reported a general strategy of size-controlled synthesis of supported nickel nanoparticle catalysts using electroless plating technique. The synthesis conditions (e.g. compositions of plating solution and plating temperatures) were optimized to promote plating rate, and nickel nanoparticles with 9 nm diameter and a narrow size distribution were highly dispersed on TiO2. The as-prepared Ni/TiO2 catalyst showed high activity, selectivity and stability in the selective hydrogenation of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol.

A TiO2 supported nickel nanoparticle catalyst with small and uniform particle size was prepared by the electroless plating method, and possessed high activity, selectivity and stability in the hydrogenation of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A new strategy of synthesis of supported Ni nanoparticles by electroless plating.
► Ni/TiO2 with high Ni loading possesses small and uniform particle size.
► We succeeded in controlling Ni particle size via changing plating conditions.
► Ni/TiO2 shows good performance in p-nitrophenol hydrogenation to p-aminophenol.