Preparation and Activity of Layer Silicate-Supported Metal Catalyst
A nickel(II) hydroxide-layer silicate intercalate was formed by mixing an expandable-layer silicate with a nickel(II) nitrate solution followed by urea hydrolysis at an elevated temperature. The hydrogen reduction of the intercalate generated nickel particles dispersed on the layer silicate crystal surface. The supported-nickel catalyst showed high activity for the hydrogenation of toluene to methylcyclohexane.