Preparation of Rh-SiO₂ fiber catalyst with superior activity and reusability by electrospinning

A rhodium (Rh)-SiO₂ fiber catalyst was prepared by electrospinning, calcination, and reduction in that order. The as-prepared Rh-SiO₂ fiber catalyst was applied in the catalytic hydrogenation of alkenes. This catalyst allowed the hydrogenation reaction to be carried out at room temperature with excellent catalytic activity and could be reused nine times without obvious loss of catalytic activity. The excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical stability of SiO₂ and the uniform dispersion of the Rh nanoparticles in the fibers are the reasons for the superior activity and reusability of the catalyst.