Colloidal nanometric particles of nickel deposited on γ-alumina: characteristics and catalytic properties

The present paper deals with supported nanoparticles of metallic nickel prepared by impregnation of an organometallic colloidal precursor (NiRC complex) on γ-alumina. The obtained supported materials (NiRCS complex) were characterized by STEM, EELS, XRD and TGA and tested in the hydrogenation reaction of benzene and styrene both in the gas and liquid phases. EELS and STEM studies showed that the metallic nickel nanoparticles of the NiRC precursor were well dispersed (1–3 nm) on the support, without size variation during the impregnation step. However, particle growth in NiRCS was observed in samples used after reaction tests. On the other hand, TGA experiments showed that the nickel phase was inserted in an organic matrix which remained in the supported material after impregnation. This organic matrix should be partly removed or totally decomposed by washing with an appropriate solvent or thermal treatment above about 250°C under N2, H2 or air atmosphere respectively. The supported nickel particles were active in the gas phase hydrogenation of benzene in the temperature range of 150–200°C and their activity was enhanced by partial removal of the organic matrix with an organic solvent (e.g. ethanol) or by its total thermal decomposition. They were also found very active in the gas phase hydrogenation of styrene at room temperature. Finally, the supported nickel particles exhibited good hydrogen reservoir properties in organic solvent media.