Selective Hydrogenation of p-Chloronitrobenzene on Nanosized PdNiB Catalysts

A series of PdNiB bimetallic nanoalloy catalysts with various Pd contents was prepared. Pd was well dispersed in NiB. Even adding a small amount of Pd in NiB had a significant effect on activity and selectivity in hydrogenation of p-chloronitrobenzene (p-CNB) to p-chloroaniline (p-CAN). High activity and selectivity on PdNiB could be attributed to both ensemble effect and electronic effect. The particle size in PdNiB decreased with an increase in Pd content. Electron-enriched Ni could activate the polar-NO2 groups of p-CNB and depress the dehalogenation of p-CAN.