Nanosized nickel Ziegler-type hydrogenation catalysts: The role of organoaluminum and proton-donating compounds in their formation and optimum catalysis

•The Ni(acac)2-AlEt3 system is not active in alkenes hydrogenation without activator.•The nature and concentration of the activator determine TOF, TON values of catalyst.•Proton-donor compounds (H2O, ROH) and Lewis bases were used as activators.•The model of nickel nanoparticles structure has been specified.

Turnover frequency (TOF) and turnover number (TON) of such Ziegler-type catalysts based on Ni(acac)2·nН2О (n = 0, 0.5, 3.0) and AlEt3, at different Al/Ni molar ratios, have been determined during their examination as styrene hydrogenation catalysts. It is found that the amount of crystallization water effects on the TOF and TON values of the nickel catalysts and defines their dependence on the Al/Ni ratio. It is shown that optimum concentration of proton-donating compounds ensures high values of TOF and TON. The nature of nickel-containing nanoparticles was determined using high-resolution electron microscopy. The size of the nickel clusters depended on the water content of the nickel precursor. The average particle size increased from 1.2 to 2.3 nm on changing the precursor from Ni(acac)2·0.5Н2О to Ni(acac)2·3Н2О. It was shown that organoaluminum compounds acted as Ni(II) → Ni(0) reducing agents, nanoparticle stabilizers, and hydrogenation activity inhibitors. A nickel nanoparticle model is specified, one which explains the activating role of the proton-donating compounds in combination with the Al/Ni ratio.

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