Tungsten(VI) Oxide Supported Rhodium(0) Nanoparticles Used as Catalyst in Hydrogenation of Benzene at Room Temperature

Abstract

Rhodium(III) ions were first impregnated on the surface of tungsten(VI) oxide (WO3 ) in aqueous solution and reduced with aqueous NaBH4 to form rhodium(0) nanoparticles (Rh NPs) on the surface of WO3. After the isolation of the Rh NPs/WO3 catalyst by centrifugation, it was characterized by advanced analytical techniques. The results reveal the successful formation of Rh NPs on the surface of WO3. Rh NPs/WO3 catalyst with a turnover frequency value of 131 h-1 was found to be very active in hydrogenation of neat benzene at 25.0±0.1ºC.