Catalytic activity of rhodium phosphide for selective hydrodeoxygenation of phenol

Abstract

Effect of P/Rh ratio and reduction temperature on catalytic activity and product selectivity of rhodium phosphide (Rh2P) for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of phenol was studied to develop production of feedstocks from sustainable resources. The Rh-0.8P (P/Rh = 0.5) catalyst after reduction at 650-700 °C showed the highest HDO conversion and benzene selectivity. High activity and selectivity would be due to formation of Rh2P structure and slightly positive charged Rh site.