Preparation and characterization of Pt/γ-Al2O3 nanocatalyst fabricated by green colloid – Microwave assisted method and its application in hydrogenation of the phenol

There is interest in minimizing or eliminating the dependency on the use of non-recyclable, expensive and homogeneous catalysts. This can be achieved by replacing them with more durable nanoheterogeneous catalysts, which offer high catalytic performance and easy recoverability. Designing highly active and stable heterogeneous catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of phenol is still a challenge. In this study, a novel type of Pt/γ-Al2 O3 nanocatalyst is elaborately designed and prepared using a clean and green colloid-Microwave assisted synthetic method. The obtained nanocatalyst was characterized using TEM and BET analysis. The results of TEM and chemisorption characterization results confirm that the confined nanocatalyst possesses stronger Pt-Al2O3 interaction, with an excellent monodispersity of Pt nanoparticle on the surface of solid support. The prepared nanocatalyst exhibited enhanced catalytic activity and stability for the hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone compared to the unsupported nanocatalyst. Cyclohexanone is widely used in pesticides, coatings, dyes, lubricants, and other industries due to its low volatility and high solubility. At 1 MPa, 3 hours, and 80 °C, a selectivity of 92.6 % and complete conversion of phenol to cyclohexanone were achieved.