Characterization and catalytic properties of Ni–Mo–B amorphous catalysts for phenol hydrodeoxygenation

Ni–Mo–B amorphous bimetallic catalysts were prepared by chemical reduction of nickel nitrate and ammonium heptamolybdate with sodium borohydride aqueous solution. By introducing the ultrasound, the particle size was decreased and the formation of boron oxide was inhibited. The catalyst, prepared by ultrasonic-assisted reduction, exhibited higher catalytic activity than the normal amorphous catalysts prepared via direct reduction in the phenol hydrodeoxygenation (HDO). The higher catalytic activity could be attributed to the higher contents of Mo4+ and unsaturated Ni active site.