Platinum Group Metal Phosphides as Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Gas-Phase Hydroformylation of Small Olefins

A method for the synthesis of highly crystalline Rh₂P nanoparticles on SiO₂ support materials and their use as truly eterogeneous single-site catalysts for the hydroformylation of ethylene and propylene is presented. The supported Rh₂P nanoparticles were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and by infrared analysis of adsorbed CO. The influence of feed gas composition and reaction temperature on the activity and selectivity in the hydroformylation reaction was evaluated by using high throughput experimentation as an enabling element; core findings were that beneficial effects on the selectivity were observed at high CO partial pressures and after addition of water to the feed gas. The analytical and performance data of the materials gave evidence that high temperature reduction leading to highly crystalline Rh₂P nanoparticles is key to achieving active, selective, and longterm stable catalysts