Abstract
The development of inexpensive and practical catalysts for arene hydrogenations is key for future valorizations of this general feedstock. Here, we report the development of cobalt nanoparticles supported on silica as selective and general catalysts for such reactions. The specific nanoparticles were prepared by assembling cobalt-pyromellitic acid-piperazine coordination polymer on commercial silica and subsequent pyrolysis. Applying the optimal nanocatalyst, industrial bulk, substituted, and functionalized arenes as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are selectively hydrogenated to obtain cyclohexane-based compounds under industrially viable and scalable conditions. The applicability of this hydrogenation methodology is presented for the storage of H-2 in liquid organic hydrogen carriers.