PtFeCoNiCu High-Entropy Alloy Catalyst for Aqueous-Phase Hydrogenation of Maleic Anhydride

High-entropy alloys (HEAs), as new heterogeneous catalytic materials, possess remarkable catalytic performance in numerous reactions. However, rational and controllable synthesis of these complex structures remains a challenge. In this work, bulk and carbon nanotube (CNT)-supported ultrasmall PtFeCoNiCu HEA nanoparticles with an average particle size of 1.58 nm are prepared by lithium naphthalenide-driven reduction under mild conditions. The supported PtFeCoNiCu/CNT catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity in the aqueous-phase hydrogenation of maleic anhydride to succinic acid with a selectivity of 98% at full conversion of maleic acid (the hydrolysis product of maleic anhydride), a low apparent activation energy (Ea = 49 kJ mol–1), and excellent stability. Moreover, a much higher mass-specific activity of Pt in the catalyst is displayed over PtFeCoNiCu/CNT (1515.4 mmolmaleic acid gPt–1 h–1) than that of 5 wt % Pt/CNT (388.0 mmolmaleic acid gPt–1 h–1). This work provides a strong support for HEAs as advanced heterogeneous catalysts and will be of great significance for promoting the research and application of HEAs in the field of selective hydrogenation.