Synthesis and Characterization of Rh/B–TNTs as a Recyclable Catalyst for Hydroformylation of Olefin Containing –CN Functional Group

The TiO(2)-based nanotubes (TNTs, B–TNTs) of different surface acidities and their supported Rh catalysts were designed and synthesized. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), tempera–ture–programmed desorption of ammonia (NH(3)–TPD), atomic emission spectrometer (ICP), and Brunauer–Emmett–Tellerv (BET) surface-area analyzers. Images of SEM and TEM showed that the boron-decorated TiO(2) nanotubes (B–TNTs) had a perfect multiwalled tubular structure; their length was up to hundreds of nanometers and inner diameter was about 7 nm. The results of NH(3)-TPD analyses showed that B–TNTs had a stronger acid site compared with TNTs. For Rh/TNTs and Rh/B–TNTs, Rh nanoparticles highly dispersed on B–TNTs were about 2.79 nm in average diameter and much smaller than those on TNTs, which were about 4.94 nm. The catalytic performances of catalysts for the hydroformylation of 2-methyl-3-butennitrile (2M3BN) were also evaluated, and results showed that the existence of B in Rh/B–TNTs had a great influence on the catalytic performance of the catalysts. The Rh/B–TNTs displayed higher catalytic activity, selectivity for aldehydes, and stability than the Rh/TNTs.