Synthesis of chain-like Ru nanoparticle arrays and its catalytic activity for hydrogenation of phenol in aqueous media

Chain-like Ru nanoparticle arrays, 1–3 nm in diameter and ∼280 nm in length, have been synthesized by reducing the complex of Ru ions with poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) by 1 MPa H2, at 353 K, in aqueous media. The morphology of these Ru nanoparticle arrays could be varied from long chain-like to cross-linked arrays by adjusting the reaction conditions including the average molecular weight of PVP and the mole ratio of repeat unit of PVP to Ru. The whole formation process is supposed on the basis of their TEM and TG studies. The obtained chain-like Ru nanoparticle arrays show high activity in hydrogenation of phenol with broad concentration, ranging from 10 to 10,000 mg l−1 at 353 K, under 1 MPa H2, in aqueous media.