Synthesis of a stable and porous Co–B nanoparticle catalyst for selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to cinnamic alcohol

The Co–B nanoparticle catalyst supported on TiO2 for the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to cinnamic alcohol was prepared by a modified electroless plating method. The as-prepared catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The results showed that porous Co–B nanoparticles were distributed narrowly (40–45 nm) over the support. Compared with the Co–B nanoparticles prepared by chemical reduction of Co2+ ions with borohydride, the as-resulted Co–B nanoparticles were stable to be stored in air, and exhibited higher activity and selectivity of cinnamic alcohol in cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation.