Rational Design of Multisite Trielement Ru–Ni–Fe Alloy Nanocatalysts with Efficient and Durable Catalytic Hydrogenation Performances

The co-decomposition of non-noble metals into Ru nanoparticles (NPs) would provide multiple active centers as well as synergistically alter the reaction pathway, enhancing the catalytic hydrogenation performance. Herein, a facile route for synthesizing trielement Ru–Ni–Fe alloy NPs was proposed. The catalytic hydrogenation performance of NPs was measured using p-nitrophenol as a model. The synergistic effect of these three elements (Ru, Ni, and Fe) and synergistic catalysis of multiple crystal faces greatly improved the catalytic hydrogenation performance of Ru₄₄Ni₂₈Fe₂₈ alloy NPs. Ru with more vacant orbitals showed a strong coordination with BH₄^– for the generation of active H species. Ni played a major role in transporting electrons and active H species, increasing the accessibility of catalytically active sites. Fe could cooperate with BH₄^– to produce active H species and promote electrons transfer. Ru₄₄Ni₂₈Fe₂₈ alloy NPs could be reused and applied for the fabrication of films at the oil–water (ethyl acetate–water) interface. The densely packed Ru₄₄Ni₂₈Fe₂₈ NP films were good Raman substrates for monitoring the complete conversion of 4-nitrothiophenol into 4-aminothiophenol. The rational design of Ru₄₄Ni₂₈Fe₂₈ will broaden the application range of Ru-based catalysts and provide new insights into the rational design of other multisite alloy catalysts.