Efficient hydrogenation of rosin and α-pinene catalyzed by amphiphilic Ni–W–B catalysts

Amphiphilic Ni–W–B nanocatalysts supported on hollow N-doped carbon@silica double-framework nanoshperes were prepared and characterized. The aqueous phase hydrogenation of rosin and α-pinene was used to test the catalytic activity of the Ni–W–B nanocatalyst. The developed Ni–W–B alloy catalyst exhibited a very high catalytic hydrogenation activity not only for small α-pinene molecules but also for large, stubborn rosin molecules. Notably, the experimental conditions are by far the mildest for rosin hydrogenation. The ability of both W and B in providing weaker acid centers made it easier for the substrate molecules to bind to the catalyst and enhanced the electron-rich state of Ni, thus promoting the catalytic hydrogenation. The hollow structure of the carrier and its hydrophobic inner shell were deemed beneficial for substrate enrichment. The Ni–W–B alloy was stably attached to the N-doped inner carbon skeleton, preventing the aggregation, leaching, and oxidation of the nanocatalyst. The nanocatalyst exhibited good reusability.