Amphiphilic tannin-stabilized Rh nanopartciles: A highly active and reusable catalyst in biphasic aqueous–organic system

A series of Rh nanoparticles were prepared by using plant tannins as stabilizers. The as-prepared plant tannin-stabilized Rh nanoparticles were subsequently characterized by TEM, DES, FTIR and XPS. Due to the amphiphilic nature of plant tannins, the plant tannin-stabilized Rh nanoparticles were highly active in aqueous–organic biphasic hydrogenation of styrene. Furthermore, the as-prepared Rh catalyst can be reused 5 times without significant loss of catalytic activity, thus exhibiting a remarkable reusability.

The schematic diagram of aqueous–organic biphasic hydrogenation of styrene using BWT-Rh catalyst.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Rh nanoparticles were stabilized by amphiphilic plant tannins.
► Highly activity in aqueous-organic biphasic hydrogenation system.
► Reused 5 times without significant loss of activity, exhibiting a remarkable reusability.