Hydrogenation of Tricyclopentadiene Over Ru Supported on Ordered Nanoporous Silica.

Tetrahydrotricyclopentadine (THTCPD) has been used as a fuel with a high energy density. THTCPD is produced by the hydrogenation of tricyclopentadiene (TCPD). In this study, Ru/nanoporous silica catalysts are utilized as a catalyst for TCPD hydrogenation. Ru/KIT-6 and Ru/SBA-15 show significantly higher activity compared to outcomes over the Ru/kieselguhr catalyst during TCPD hydrogenation. The nanoporous structures of Ru/KIT-6 and Ru/SBA-15 help to overcome the diffusion limitations of reactants and products during the TCPD hydrogenation process. In addition to the diffusion factors, the distribution of Ru crystallites on the support plays an important role in the TCPD hydrogenation activity.