Electroless preparation and characterization of Ni–B nanoparticles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes and their catalytic activity towards hydrogenation of styrene

Nickel–boron (Ni–B) nanoparticles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were successfully synthesized through an electroless deposition process using the plating bath with sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. The structural and morphological analyses using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy have shown that the Ni–B nanoparticles deposited on the sidewalls of MWCNTs are fine spheres comprised of amorphous structure with the morphologically unique fine-structure like flowers, and homogenously dispersed with a narrow particle size distribution centered at around 60 nm diameter. The catalytic activity of MWCNT/Ni–B nanoparticles was evaluated with respect to hydrogenation of styrene. The hydrogenation catalyzed by MWCNT-supported Ni–B nanoparticles has been found to make styrene selectively converted into ethylbenzene. The highest conversion reaches 99.8% under proper reaction conditions, which demonstrates the high catalytic activity of MWCNT/Ni–B nanoparticles.

Graphical abstractThe MWCNT/Ni–B catalyst has been successfully prepared by an electroless deposition process. The Ni–B nanoparticles on the supporter are amorphous and are well-distributed. The catalytic conversion towards hydrogenation of styrene shows excellent catalytic activity of the obtained materials.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A two-step treatment of MWCNTs enabled the homogeneous growth of Ni–B nanoparticles. ► Ni–B nanoparticles were amorphous with an average size of 60 nm. ► There were electron transfer between Ni and B. ► The catalyst had excellent catalytic activity towards hydrogenation of styrene.