Ruthenium nanoparticles embedded in mesoporous carbon microfibers: preparation, characterization and catalytic properties in the hydrogenation of D-glucose

Ruthenium (Ru) nanoparticles dispersed in mesoporous carbon microfibers were prepared using alumina microfibers as the templates via a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) route. Characterized data showed that Ru nanoparticles were embedded in the mesoporous carbon matrix. The samples were found to possess a specific surface area as high as 750 m(2) g(-1), pore sizes in the range of 3-5 nm, lengths in the range of 5-10 μm, and a width of about 0.5 μm. The Ru catalysts displayed a remarkably high catalytic activity and an excellent stability in the hydrogenation of D-glucose. The observed good catalyst performance is attributed to the carbon microfiber morphology, unblocked mesoporous structure, and the hydrogen spillover effect induced by the unique surface contact between the Ru nanoparticles and the carbon. In addition, the incorporation of nitrogen significantly improved the catalytic performance due to the enhanced hydrogen adsorption, better wettability, and modified electronic properties of the Ru.