Magnetically separable Fe3O4-supported Ru–Ni bimetallic catalysts for diformyltricyclodecanes hydrogenation to value-added fine chemicals

A series of magnetically separable catalysts based on Ru–Ni bimetallic compounds supported on Fe3O4 nanoparticles was prepared by the co-precipitation method. These catalysts were evaluated for diformyltricyclodecanes hydrogenation reactions, achieving 97% tricyclodecanedimethylol selectivity at 98% diformyltricyclodecanes conversion under mild conditions. The catalyst could be easily recovered by using the magnetic property of the iron oxide support. The catalysts were characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and temperature-programmed reduction. These complementary characterization results suggested that the superior catalytic activity may be derived from the delicate synergy between Ru and Ni species.