The synthesis of Ru/CNF colloidal catalysts: Comparison of ex-situ and in-situ methods

Abstract Carbon nanofibers supported Ru catalysts (Ru/CNF) were synthesized by the colloidal method, varying the immobilization procedure (i.e. ex-situ or in-situ method of Ru catalyst synthesis) , and the reducing agent nature. Hydrothermal stability of the synthesized Ru catalysts was studied aiming on further application of these catalysts in aqueous phase transformations. The in-situ procedure of Ru catalyst synthesis was shown to give a higher Ru nanoparticles dispersion, while the ex-situ method provided a better size control and resistance to leaching under hydrothermal conditions as well as during the catalysts synthesis.