Liquid-phase selective hydrogenation of benzophenone over ultrasonic-assisted Ni–La–B amorphous alloy catalyst

The liquid-phase selective hydrogenation of benzophenone to benzhydrol has been investigated over Ni–B amorphous alloy catalysts, and a detailed reaction mechanism has been proposed based on GC–MS. La-doped Ni–B exhibits smaller particle sizes and more active centers, but some agglomeration compared with Ni–B. The agglomeration can be inhibited by application of ultrasound; wherein the surface of the catalyst becomes homogeneous and the coverage of Ni centers is decreased correspondingly. The ultrasonic-assisted Ni–La–B catalyst is found to have better catalytic performance than Ni–B, Ni–La–B and Raney Ni and this can be attributed to the synergistic effect between La addition and ultrasound.

Graphical AbstractProposed routes for benzophenone hydrogenation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Ni–La–B and Ni–La–B-u were first used in benzophenone hydrogenation.
► Ni–La–B-u exhibited the highest activity with almost 100% conversion.
► Ni–La–B-u possesses more active Ni centers and smaller particle sizes.
► The synergistic effect between La addition and ultrasound was clarified.
► A detailed reaction mechanism has been proposed based on GC–MS results.