Synthesis and Characterization of Ru‐Loaded Anodized Aluminum Oxide for Hydrogenation Catalysis

Anodized aluminum oxides (AAOs) are synthesized and used as catalyst support in combination with Ru as metal in hydrogenation catalysis. SEM and TEM analysis of the as‐synthesized AAOs reveal uniform, ordered nanotubes with pore diameters of 18 nm, which are further characterized with Kr physisorption, XRD and FTIR spectroscopy. After impregnation of the AAOs with Ru, the presence of Ru nanoparticles inside the tubular pores is evidenced clearly for the first time via HAADF‐STEM‐EDX. The Ru−AAOs have been tested for catalytic activity, which showed high conversion and selectivity for the hydrogenation of toluene and butanal. Ru ready for this? Anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) platelets are synthesized and thoroughly characterized. The platelets are loaded with Ru and the presence of Ru inside the pores is clearly evidenced via HAADF‐STEM‐EDX. Hydrogenations of butanal and toluene are successfully carried out with the Ru−AAO catalyst, which can be easily removed from the reaction mixture and fast diffusion of substrate and products through the mesopores is ensured.