Styrene hydrogenation over Ni–La/Al2O3 catalysts: The impact of added La on active metal dispersion

La–doped Ni/Al2O3 catalysts were synthesised with a modified wetness impregnation method. The addition of La promoted the reduction of Ni oxides and improved the dispersion. High catalytic activity and selectivity were obtained in the selective hydrogenation of styrene using these catalysts. The catalyst with a La content of 0.5 wt% (Ni–La/Al2O3-0.5) exhibited the highest styrene conversion (100%) and selectivity (>99%).