Selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene over TiO2 supported Ni2P nanoparticles under visible light irradiation

The design of efficient photocatalysts for selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene to styrene is challenging. Herein, TiO2 supported Ni2P nanoparticles (Ni2P/TiO2) were prepared by a simple low temperature in situ phosphating method. As an earth-abundant and low-cost material, the optimal catalyst exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity with 99.9% phenylacetylene conversion and 96.0% styrene selectivity at 80 °C under visible light irradiation. The adsorption of phenylacetylene was weakened due to the isolation effect and electronic effect of P, which inhibited the over-hydrogenation of styrene and assured its high selectivity. The introduction of P also promoted the light absorption of the catalyst and accelerated the activation of H2 to provide active H species, which improved photocatalytic performance. Besides, the introduction of P overcomes the disadvantages of easy oxidation of metallic nickel-based catalysts, which ensure the excellent stability and recyclability of the Ni2P/TiO2 photocatalyst.