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. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.