Highly efficient semi-hydrogenation of acetylene over Ni supported mesoporous MgAl2O4 spinel derived from aluminate-intercalated layered double hydroxide

• The LDH with the modulated M 2+ /Al 3+ ratio was fabricated by the aluminate intercalation. • Spinel-type M II -M III complex oxides with high specific surface areas were obtained at 500 o C. • The Ni/MgAl 2 O 4 showed high selectivity and superior stability during the reaction process. • The catalyst also exhibited excellent resistance against carbonaceous compound deposition. Even though Ni catalysts have shown promising performance in the semi-hydrogenation of ethylene, the selectivity and stability remain to be improved so that they may be used to replace expensive noble metal catalysts. Herein, an aluminate-intercalated NiMgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) was prepared through a facile co-precipitation approach, and then a topotactic transformation strategy was employed to convert the tailored LDH precursor to the spinel catalyst. More than 99% of the Ni/MgAl 2 O 4 catalyst's conversion was achieved toward the semi-hydrogenation of acetylene at 140 °C, with a selectivity of more than 80%. Additionally, due to high specific surface area (309 m 2 /g) with tuned acidity, this catalyst showed outstanding resistance to the deposition of carbonaceous compounds and satisfactory long-term stability during a 28 hr test. It is hoped that this study will inspire the design of supported non-noble metal materials with high activity and efficiency towards organic or organo-thermal reactions, as well as provide a basic understanding of the role and impacts of intercalated aluminates in LDH.