Controlling Reaction Paths with Ru–Ni Alloys: C–O Retention for Alcohol Synthesis

Ru-based catalysts are widely used in catalytic reactions, but the electron-deficient nature promotes strong decarbonylation, leading to complete deoxygenation during the conversion of polyhydroxy biomass. Despite extensive research, effectively suppressing this decarbonylation activity remains challenging. Herein, electron-rich Ru and electron-deficient Ni formed due to the electron migration of Ni → Ru have a synergistic catalytic effect, controlling the precise cleavage of CN bonds by Ru0 and retaining most of the CO bonds. The amorphous Al2O3 is sufficiently bound to the substrate to promote rapid hydrogenation. This modification effectively suppresses the intrinsic decarbonylation activity of Ru and improves selectivity for hydrodeoxygenation. Using carbohydrates as substrates, the Ru-Ni bimetallic catalysts preferentially promote the hydrodeoxygenation pathway, resulting in a significant increase in C3+ monohydric alcohol yields. This work presents a new strategy for modulating reaction pathways via electronic structure engineering, offering valuable insights into the potential of Ru-Ni systems for biomass conversion and sustainable alcohol synthesis.