Nickel-molybdenum oxide catalysts used in the catalytic hydrogenation of styrene oxide to produce 2-phenylethanol

In this study, mixed molybdenum-nickel oxide catalysts were tested in the selective hydrogenation of styrene using hydrogen flow, magnetic stirring, and room temperature. This method is both economical and environmentally friendly for producing 2-phenylethanol, a key component of rose oil, known for its important properties that make it suitable for use in perfumery, cosmetics, detergents, medicine, and food. To prepare the catalysts, molybdenum-nickel oxides were synthesized by varying the nickel concentration to 15, 20, and 25 % molar relative to the molybdenum content, using nickel nitrate as the precursor. The catalysts were prepared via the coprecipitation method in an acidic medium. The resulting materials were characterized using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the molybdenum oxide particles increased in size, both in thickness and length, as the nickel concentration increased. Raman and X-ray spectra revealed that bands indicative of nickel-molybdenum interactions became more prominent with higher nickel content. This was due to increased conversion and selectivity for 2-phenylethanol as the nickel content in the molybdenum oxide increased.