Selectivity Engineering and Efficacy of the Ru–Ni@RGO Catalyst in Hydrogenation of p-tert-Butylphenol to p-tert-Butylcyclohexanol

The selective synthesis of p - tert -butylcyclohexanol (PTBCHOL) from p- tert -butylphenol (PTBP) via hydrogenation is an important catalytic system in fine chemical synthesis. In this study, a bimetallic Ru–Ni@RGO nanocatalyst was engineered and evaluated for its effectiveness in achieving high selectivity and conversion rates. The Ru–Ni nanometals were supported on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) using an in situ reduction method, employing ethylene glycol as a green solvent and reducing agent. By varying the amounts of Ru and Ni, the impact on product selectivity was assessed, and it was found that 30% Ru–Ni (2:1) @RGO catalyst performed exceptionally well. Under optimized conditions of 15 atm and 80 °C, the catalyst achieved 100% conversion and 100% selectivity in 2 h. The process parameters were carefully optimized, the catalyst thoroughly characterized, and a kinetic study done to obtain activation energy. 10% Ru–Ni (2:1) @RGO catalyst demonstrated remarkable activity, selectivity, and robustness.