Synthesis and Study of Ru-Containing Catalysts on Mesostructured Carbon for Glucose Hydrogenation

Hydrogenation catalysts based on functionalized CMK-3 (Carbon Mesostructured by KAIST) carbon material and ruthenium nanoparticles have been developed. SBA-15 mesostructured silicate with enlarged wall channels has been used as a template for the carbon replica synthesis. The effect of carbon material functionalization via humid air oxidation and sulfonation on the morphology, physicochemical properties, and activity of the catalyst has been studied. The degree of dispersion, localization, and electronic state of supported ruthenium depending on the support functionalization method have been determined. The initial support structure preservation after Ru deposition has been confirmed by a number of physicochemical methods. Metal particles are distributed over carrier surface without agglomeration, at size corresponding to mesostructure which provides high accessibility of active centers. The catalysts have been tested in the hydrogenation of glucose into sorbitol. Pore morphology and preservation of initial carbon support structure play important role in the catalytic activity of Ru particles.