Pt nanoparticles entrapped in ordered mesoporous carbons for liquid-phase hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds

Pt nanoparticles entrapped in ordered mesoporous carbons were proved effective for liquid-phase hydrogenation of benzaldehyde and its derivatives in water. Due to higher hydrophobicity, Pt/CMK-3 catalyst was slightly superior to Pt/CMK-8 catalyst towards benzaldehyde hydrogenation. Nevertheless, the larger pore volume of Pt/CMK-8 catalyst is more beneficial for mass transfer of benzaldehyde derivatives. In addition, the surface electronic state of Pt particles deposited on CMK-8 is helpful for the activation of carbonyl compounds. Therefore, the Pt/CMK-8 and Pt/CMK-3 catalysts showed tiny differences in most cases. The Pt catalysts can also catalyze the hydrogenation of olefins and other carbonyl compounds.

► Ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) as remarkable support for Pt nanoparticles.
► Pt/OMCs catalysts are effective for liquid-phase hydrogenation of benzaldehydes.
► Pt/CMK-3 showed higher activity than Pt/CMK-8 towards benzaldehyde hydrogenation.
► Pt/CMK-8 and Pt/CMK-3 catalysts showed tiny differences in most cases.
► Differences owe to different hydrophobicity, pore volume and electronic state.