Framework of ruthenium-containing nickel hydrotalcite-type material: preparation, characterisation, and its catalytic application

The framework ruthenium-containing nickel (NiRu) hydrotalcite (HT)-type materials were prepared by a co-precipitation method for the first time in this study. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of a layered hydrotalcite-type phase. DRUV-Vis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies revealed the presence of nickel in the +2 and +3 oxidation states along with the presence of ruthenium as Ru³⁺ ions. Temperature-programmed desorption studies of the NiRu-HT-type materials indicated a two-stage reduction with a decrease in T_max, supporting the presence of Ni²⁺ and Ru³⁺ in the framework of hydrotalcite. The obtained NiRu-HT-type materials proved to be promising catalysts for the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds in the presence of hydrazine as a hydrogen source under ambient conditions. The NiRu-HT-type material demonstrated enhanced activity and selectivity during the reduction of nitrobenzene and its derivatives due to the synergistic effect of nickel and ruthenium ions.