Tailoring the d‐band centers enables NiM alloy to be multifunctional site for tandem reductive amination

Abstract

AbstractIntegrating multi‐step reactions through tandem catalysis offers potential for efficient chemical engineering processes, but designing an efficient tandem catalyst is challenging. Herein, we report tailoring the d‐band centers of Ni through alloying with a second metal (M = Fe/Co/Cu/Ga), which enables it to be multifunctional site for tandem reductive amination. A linear correlation of d‐band center with yield of primary amine product was observed. Density functional theory and experiments revealed the upshifted d‐band center strengthened the adsorption of Schiff base intermediate in advantageous di(C&N) mode, also narrowed the adsorption energy gap between NH3 and H2. Furthermore, the multifunctional nanoparticles provide a confined space with short diffusion pathway for NH3* and H* to timely react with Schiff base. As a result, the NiFe/AlOx with a d‐band center nearest to the Fermi level exhibited the highest primary amine yield of 96.2% with five consecutive reusability under extremely low H2 pressure, which is superior to other reported precious‐metal‐based catalysts.