Selective hydrogenation of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) with rhodium nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes at room temperature

Carbon-nanotubes (CNTs)-supported rhodium (Rh) nanoparticle catalysts were prepared by sequential sonication-assisted liquid phase exfoliation of multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), followed by microwave-assisted hydrothermal reduction of the supported Rh. The as-prepared Rh-PVP-MWCNT catalysts were applied in the selective hydrogenation of nitrile butadiene rubber. The catalyst had excellent activity even at room temperature and can be easily separated from the product.