Role of substituted alkali ion into layered titanate structure for effect hydroformylation reaction

Abstract

Layered titanates (LTs) offer exceptional structural and chemical tunability, enabling the precise modulation of their electronic states and catalytic properties. In this study, we present a cation-free H+ (H3O+)-intercalated LT as a versatile platform for direct cation insertion. Intercalation with alkali metals (AMs) precisely tuned the charge density of Rh species when the prepared LTs were used as catalytic supports. Among the Rh-loaded AM-bearing LTs, Rh/K–LT delivered the highest turnover frequency (23,685 h−1), surpassing those of other AM-intercalated systems and previously reported Rh-based heterogeneous catalysts, during propylene hydroformylation. Combined in situ and ex situ characterizations revealed that AM intercalation promotes charge transfer to Rh, thereby enhancing adsorption behavior and catalytic activity.