Ru Supported on Ni Phyllosilicate-Modified MCF as a Novel Nanocatalyst for Selective Hydrogenation of Biobased Citronellal to Citronellol

Biobased citronellol is popular in the perfumery, flavor, and pharmaceutical industries. Selective hydrogenation of citronellal to citronellol was performed by using Ru–Ni-supported bimetallic catalysts. Selectivity engineering was performed by enhancing the catalyst properties. Mesocellular silica foam was used as a catalyst support. Novel Ni-phyllosilicate formation on the support was obtained by an aqueous ammonia treatment. The tube furnace method was used for the reduction of Ru and Ni bimetals incorporated on the modified support. About 100% selectivity and 76.5% conversion were achieved in 3.5 h at 100 °C and 15 bar of hydrogen pressure. Optimization of the process was performed by altering various parameters to attain the maximum conversion for the selective synthesis of citronellol. The reaction mechanism was established, and a kinetic model fitted to obtain activation energy and adsorption constants. Catalyst reusability study was carried out. The catalyst was discovered to be highly active, selective, and robust