Polymer-protected Colloidal Nickel Boride in Ethanol and Its Catalytic Activity for Hydrogenation

Colloidal nickel borides were prepared in ethanol from nickel(II) chloride and sodium borohydride using a polymer as a protective colloid. For atmospheric hydrogenation of olefins such as acrylamide at 30 °C, the colloid prepared by using poly(vinylpyrrolidone) exhibited catalytic activity 15–60 times that of the usual nickel boride prepared without using a polymer. The high activity of colloidal nickel borides was found to be due to the polymers, soluble nylon being the most effective. The colloids are stable under oxygen-free hydrogen, decomposing immediately on exposure to air.