Influence of the preparation conditions of Pd‐ZrO2 and AuPd‐ZrO2 nanoparticle–decorated functionalised MWCNTs: Electron spectroscopy study aided with the QUASES

The Pd, AuPd, and ZrO₂ nanoparticle–decorated functionalised multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNTs) were reported as efficient catalysts of formic acid (FA) electro‐oxidation. Different preparation conditions influence their chemical and structural properties analysed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy aided with the quantitative analysis of surfaces by electron spectroscopy. Different reduction procedures such as NaBH₄, a polyol microwave‐assisted method (PMWA), and a high pressure microwave reactor (HPMWR) were applied for decorating ZrO₂/f‐MWCNTs with Pd and AuPd nanoparticles. The ZrO₂ nanoparticles are attached through oxygen groups to the surface of f‐MWCNTs. In NaBH₄ and HPMWR procedures, Pd nanoparticles precipitate predominantly on ZrO₂ of nearly nominal stoichiometry, whereas in PMWA procedure, Pd and AuPd nanoparticles precipitate predominantly on the surface of f‐MWCNTs, bridging with oxygen groups and ZrO_x (x < 2) and leading to Pd‐O‐Zr phase formation. Strong reducing procedures (NaBH₄ and FA) led to smaller Pd nanoparticle size, Pd oxide content, and PdO_x overlayer thickness in contrary to weak reduction procedures (HPMWR and PMWA). The highest content of Pd‐O‐Zr phase appeared for Pd predominant precipitation on ZrO₂ nanoparticles (HPMWR) in contrary to Pd and AuPd predominant precipitation on surface of f‐MWCNTs (NaBH₄ ~ FA > PMWA). Larger content of Pd‐O‐Zr phase in AuPd‐decorated ZrO₂/f‐MWCNTs in contrary to Pd‐decorated sample (PMWA) could be justified by different electronic properties of nanoparticles. The FA treatment of Pd and AuPd‐ZrO₂/f‐MWCNTs samples provided decreasing Pd oxide content, overlayer thickness, nanoparticle size, increasing nanoparticle surface coverage and density, amount of Pd‐O‐Zr, what results from reduction of oxygen groups bridging with Pd and ZrO_x nanoparticles, also through Pd‐O‐Zr phase.     

Highly dispersed palladium nanoclusters incorporated in amino‐functionalized silica spheres for the selective hydrogenation of succinic acid to γ‐butyrolactone

Highly dispersed palladium nanoclusters incorporated on amino‐functionalized silica sphere surfaces (Pd/SiO₂‐NH₂) were fabricated by a simple one‐pot synthesis utilizing 3‐(2‐aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane (AAPTS) as coordinating agent. Uniform palladium nanoclusters with an average size of 1.1 nm can be obtained during the co‐condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and AAPTS owing to the strong interaction between palladium species and amino groups in AAPTS. The palladium particle size can be controlled by addition of AAPTS and plays a significant role in the catalytic performance. The Pd/SiO₂‐NH₂ catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity for succinic acid hydrogenation with 100% conversion and 94% selectivity towards γ‐butyrolactone using 1,4‐dioxane as solvent at 240°C and 60 bar for 4 h. Moreover, the Pd/SiO₂‐NH₂ catalyst is robust and readily reusable without loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Activation and Spillover of Hydrogen on Sub‐1 nm Palladium Nanoclusters Confined within Sodalite Zeolite for the Semi‐Hydrogenation of Alkynes

The search for efficient nontoxic catalysts able to perform industrial hydrogenations is a topic of interest, with relevance to many catalytic processes. Herein, we describe a mechanistic phenomenon for the activation and spillover of hydrogen for remarkable selectivity in the semi‐hydrogenation of acetylene over sub‐1 nm Pd nanoclusters confined within sodalite (SOD) zeolite (Pd@SOD). Specifically, hydrogen is dissociated on the Pd nanoclusters to form hydrogen species (i.e., hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl groups) that spill over the SOD surfaces. The design and utilization of the small‐pore zeolite SOD (six‐membered rings with 0.28×0.28 nm channels) is crucial as it only allows H₂ diffusion into the channels to reach the encapsulated Pd nanoclusters and thus avoids over‐hydrogenation to form ethane. Pd@SOD exhibits an ethylene selectivity of over 94.5 %, while that of conventional Pd/SOD is approximately 21.5 %.     

Catalytic Hydrodechlorination of 1,2,4,5‐Tetrachlorobenzene over Various Supports Loaded Palladium Catalysts

Water pollution by polychlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons has always been a global issue. In this work, we reported a synthesis of supported palladium catalysts Pd/C, Pd/CeO₂, Pd/SBA‐15, Pd/ZrO₂,Pd/SiO₂, and Pd/Al₂O₃ as well as their catalytic activities on hydrodechlorination (HDC) of 1,2,4,5‐tetrachlorobenzene (TeCB). These Pd catalysts were characterized by Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) specific surface area, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy Dispersive X‐ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), CO‐chemisorption, and H2‐temperature programmed reduction (H2‐TPR) analysis. Pd/C, Pd/CeO₂ and Pd/SBA‐15 catalysts showed relatively high catalytic activities. The catalytic activities were associated with dispersion of Pd, metal surface area, and reaction temperature, etc.     

New Palladium – ZrO2 Nano-Architectures from Thermal Transformation of UiO-66-NH2 for Carbonylative Suzuki and Hydrogenation Reactions

The new nanocomposites, Pd/C/ZrO₂, PdO/ZrO_2, and Pd/PdO/ZrO₂, were prepared by thermal conversion of Pd@UiO-66-Zr−NH₂ (MOF) in nitrogen or air atmosphere. The presence of Pd nanoparticles, uniformly distributed on the ZrO₂ or C/ZrO₂ matrix, was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) methods. All pyrolysed composites retained the shape of the MOF template. They catalyze carbonylative Suzuki coupling under 1 atm CO with an efficiency significantly higher than the original Pd@UiO-66-Zr−NH₂. The most active PdO/ZrO₂ composite, formed benzophenone with TOF up to 1600 h⁻¹, while by using Pd@UiO-66-Zr−NH₂, much lower TOF values, 51–95 h⁻¹, were achieved. After the reaction, PdO/ZrO₂ was recovered with the same composition and catalytic activity. Very good results were also obtained in the transfer hydrogenation of benzophenones to alcohols with Pd/C/ZrO₂ and PdO/ZrO₂ catalysts under microwave irradiation.     

Preparation and Catalytic Activity of a Novel Nanocrystalline ZrO2@C Composite for Hydrogen Storage in NaAlH4

Sodium alanate (NaAlH₄) has attracted intense interest as a prototypical high‐density hydrogen‐storage material. However, poor reversibility and slow kinetics limit its practical applications. Herein, a nanocrystalline ZrO₂@C catalyst was synthesized by using Uio‐66(Zr) as a precursor and furfuryl alcohol (FA) as a carbon source. The as‐synthesized ZrO₂@C exhibits good catalytic activity for the dehydrogenation and hydrogenation of NaAlH₄. The NaAlH₄‐7 wt % ZrO₂@C sample released hydrogen starting from 126 °C and reabsorbed it starting from 54 °C, and these temperatures are lower by 71 and 36 °C, respectively, relative to pristine NaAlH₄. At 160 °C, approximately 5.0 wt % of hydrogen was released from the NaAlH₄‐7 wt % ZrO₂@C sample within 250 min, and the dehydrogenation product reabsorbed approximately 4.9 wt % within 35 min at 140 °C and 100 bar of hydrogen. The catalytic function of the Zr‐based active species is believed to contribute to the significantly reduced operating temperatures and enhanced kinetics.     

Cooperative Multifunctional Catalysts for Nitrone Synthesis: Platinum Nanoclusters in Amine‐Functionalized Metal–Organic Frameworks

Nitrones are key intermediates in organic synthesis and the pharmaceutical industry. The heterogeneous synthesis of nitrones with multifunctional catalysts is extremely attractive but rarely explored. Herein, we report ultrasmall platinum nanoclusters (PtNCs) encapsulated in amine‐functionalized Zr metal–organic framework (MOF), UiO‐66‐NH₂ (Pt@UiO‐66‐NH₂) as a multifunctional catalyst in the one‐pot tandem synthesis of nitrones. By virtue of the cooperative interplay among the selective hydrogenation activity provided by the ultrasmall PtNCs and Lewis acidity/basicity/nanoconfinement endowed by UiO‐66‐NH₂, Pt@UiO‐66‐NH₂ exhibits remarkable activity and selectivity, in comparison to Pt/carbon, Pt@UiO‐66, and Pd@UiO‐66‐NH₂. Pt@UiO‐66‐NH₂ also outperforms Pt nanoparticles supported on the external surface of the same MOF (Pt/UiO‐66‐NH₂). To our knowledge, this work demonstrates the first examples of one‐pot synthesis of nitrones using recyclable multifunctional heterogeneous catalysts.     

Enhanced catalytic performance of Pd‐Ga bimetallic catalysts for 2‐ethylanthraquinone hydrogenation

A series of Pd and Pd‐Ga bimetallic catalysts were prepared by a co‐impregnation method for 2‐ethylanthraquinone (EAQ) hydrogenation to produce hydrogen peroxide. Compared with 0.6Pd catalyst, the hydrogenation efficiency of 0.6Pd1.2Ga catalyst (11.9 g L^?1) increases by 32.2%, and the stability of 0.6Pd1.2Ga catalyst is also higher than that of 0.6Pd catalyst. The structures of the samples were determined by N₂ adsorption–desorption, ICP, XRD, CO chemisorption, TEM, H₂‐TPR, in situ CO‐DRIFTS and XPS. The results suggest that incorporation of Ga species improves Pd dispersion and generates a strong interaction between Ga₂O₃ and Pd interface or between Pd and support. DFT calculation results indicate that the strong adsorption of carbonyl group on Ga₂O₃/Pd interface facilitates the activation of EAQ and promotes the hydrogenation efficiency.     

Selective Hydrogenation of Citral over a Carbon‐titania Composite Supported Palladium Catalyst

A novel carbon‐titania composite material, C/TiO₂, has been prepared by growing carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on TiO₂ surface via methane decomposition using Ni‐Cu as a catalyst. The C/TiO₂ was used for preparing supported palladium catalyst, Pd/C/TiO₂. The support and Pd/C/TiO₂ catalyst were characterized by BET, SEM, XRD and TG‐DTG. Its catalytic performance was evaluated in selective hydrogenation of citral to citronellal, and compared with that of activated carbon supported Pd catalyst. It was found that the Pd/C/TiO₂ catalyst contains 97% of mesopores. And it exhibited 88% of selectivity to citronellal at citral conversion of 90% in citral hydrogenation, which was much higher than that of activated carbon supported Pd catalyst. This result may be attributed to elimination of internal diffusion limitations, which were significant in activated carbon supported Pd catalyst, due to its microporous structure.     

Triazole‐based ligands functionalized silica: Effects of ligand denticity and donors on catalytic oxidation activity of Pd nanoparticles

Triazole‐based ligands, tris (triazolyl)methanol (Htbtm), bis (triazolyl)‐phenylmethanol (Hbtm), and phenyl (pyridin‐2‐yl)(triazolyl)methanol (Hpytm), with differences in ligand denticity (i.e., bidentate and tridentate) and type of N donors (i.e., triazole and pyridine) were functionalized onto a silica support to produce the corresponding SiO₂‐ L ( L  = tbtm, btm, pytm). Subsequent reactions with Pd (CH₃COO)₂ in CH₂Cl₂ yielded Pd/SiO₂‐ L . ICP‐MS reveals that Pd loadings are higher with increased N loadings, resulting in the following trend: Pd/SiO₂‐tbtm (0.83 mmol Pd g^?1) > Pd/SiO₂‐btm (0.65 mmol Pd g^?1) ~ Pd/SiO₂‐pytm (0.63 mmol Pd g^?1). Meanwhile, TEM images of the used Pd/SiO₂‐ L catalysts after the first catalytic cycle show that the mean size of Pd NPs is highest with Pd/SiO₂‐pytm (8.5 ± 1.5 nm), followed by Pd/SiO₂‐tbtm (6.4 ± 1.6 nm) and Pd/SiO₂‐btm (4.8 ± 1.3 nm). Based on TONs, catalytic studies toward aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde at 60 °C in EtOH showed that Pd/SiO₂‐pytm possessed the most active surface Pd(0) atoms, most likely as a result of more labile properties of the pyridine–triazole ligand compared to tris‐ and bis (triazolyl) analogs. ICP‐MS and TEM analysis of Pd/SiO₂‐btm indicate minimal Pd leaching and similar average Pd NPs sizes after 1^st and 5^th catalytic runs, respectively, confirming that SiO₂‐btm is an efficient Pd NPs stabilizer. The Pd/SiO₂‐btm catalyst was also active toward aerobic oxidation of various benzyl alcohol derivatives in EtOH and could be reused for at least 7 reaction cycles without a significant activity loss.     

The Role of Pd2+/Pd0 in Hydrogenation by [Pd(2‐pymo)2]n: An X‐ray Absorption and IR Spectroscopic Study

The metal–organic framework (MOF) [Pd(2‐pymo)₂]_n (2‐pymo=2‐pyrimidinolate) was used as catalyst in the hydrogenation of 1‐octene. During catalytic hydrogenation, the changes at the metal nodes and linkers of the MOF were investigated by in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and IR spectroscopy. With the help of extended X‐ray absorption fine structure and X‐ray absorption near edge structure data, Quick‐XAS, and IR spectroscopy, detailed insights into the catalytic relevance of Pd²⁺/Pd⁰ in the hydrogenation of 1‐octene could be achieved. Shortly after exposure of the catalyst to H₂ and simultaneously with the hydrogenation of 1‐octene, the aromatic rings of the linker molecules are hydrogenated rapidly. Up to this point, the MOF structure remained intact. After completion of linker hydrogenation, the linkers were also protonated. When half of the linker molecules were protonated, the onset of reduction of the Pd²⁺ centers to Pd⁰ was observed and the hydrogenation activity decreased, followed by fast reduction of the palladium centers and collapse of the MOF structure. Major fractions of Pd⁰ are only observed when the hydrogenation of 1‐octene is almost finished. Consequently, the Pd²⁺ nodes of the MOF [Pd(2‐pymo)₂]_n are identified as active centers in the hydrogenation of 1‐octene.     

Sol gel derived Pd/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> as catalysts for methane combustion: effect of zirconium loading

A series of Pd/Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ materials have been prepared via sol gel method as an attractive route to obtain more homogeneous binary oxides Al₂O₃–ZrO₂. A Zr loading between 2 and 15 wt% was used to investigate the Zr promotion of Pd/Al₂O₃ materials. The prepared catalysts were calcined at two different temperatures. Very interesting results have been obtained at low zirconium content. A small amount of Zr is seen to be sufficient to stabilize the activity and to obtain good catalytic performances with developed textural properties compared to conventional catalysts used to oxidize methane. The increase of the zirconium loading is seen to decrease the catalytic activity may be due to the development of tetragonal zirconia phase detected by XRD. Similar effect has been observed after heating catalysts at high temperatures. A loss in BET surface area and in metal dispersion has been also observed for zirconium rich catalysts. A contradictory effect on textural and structural properties is seen after their calcination at 700 °C.     

Pd‐Cu alloy nanoparticle supported on amine‐terminated ionic liquid functional 3D graphene and its application on Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction

Well distributed Pd‐Cu bimetallic alloy nanoparticles supported on amine‐terminated ionic liquid functional three‐dimensional graphene (3D IL‐rGO/Pd‐Cu) as an efficient catalyst for Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction has been prepared via a facile synthetic method. The introduction of IL‐NH₂ cations on the surface of graphene sheets can effectively avoid the re‐deposition of graphene sheets, allowing the catalyst to be reused up to 10 cycles. The addition of Cu not only saves cost but also ensures high catalytic efficiency. It is worthy to note that the catalyst 3D IL‐rGO/Pd_2.5Cu_2.5 can efficiently catalyze the Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction with the yield up to 100% in 0.25 h, almost one‐fold higher than that by the pristine IL‐rGO/Pd_2.5 catalyst (52%). The Powder X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), combining energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping results confirm the existence and distribution of Pd and Cu in the bimetallic nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals the nanoparticle size with an average diameter of 3.0 ± 0.5 nm. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis proved the presence of electron transfer from Cu to Pd upon alloying. Such alloying‐induced electronic modification of Pd‐Cu alloy and 3D ionic liquid functional graphene with large specific surface area both accounted for the catalytic enhancement.     

Nature of the modifying action of white phosphorus on the properties of nanosized hydrogenation catalysts based on bis(dibenzylideneacetone)palladium(0)

The catalytic properties and nature of the nanoparticles forming in the system based on Pd(dba)₂ and white phosphorus are reported. A schematic mechanism is suggested for the formation of nanosized palladium-based hydrogenation catalysts. The mechanism includes the formation of palladium nanoclusters via the interaction of Pd(dba)₂ with the solvent (N,N-dimethylformamide) and substrate and the formation of palladium phosphide nanoparticles. The inhibiting effect exerted by elemental phosphorus on the catalytic process is due to the conversion of part of the Pd(0) into palladium phosphides, which are inactive in hydrogenation under mild conditions, and the formation of mainly segregated palladium nanoclusters and palladium phosphide nanoparticles. By investigating the interaction between Pd(dba)₂ and white phosphorus in benzene, it has been established that the formation of palladium phosphides under mild conditions consists of the following consecutive steps: Pd(0) → PdP₂ → Pd₅P₂ → Pd₃P. It is explained why white phosphorus can produce diametrically opposite effects of on the catalytic properties of nanosized palladium-based hydrogenation catalysts, depending on the nature of the palladium precursor.     

Synthesis of bis‐N‐alkyl imidazolium salts and their palladium(0)(NHC)(η2‐MA)2 complexes

New N‐Alkyl‐substituted imidazolium salts as well as a series of their corresponding [Pd(NHC)(MA)₂] complexes have been obtained by three routes in good yield. The previously reported synthesis for the analogous N‐aryl substituted [Pd(NHC)(MA)₂] complexes has been improved. The N‐alkyl‐substituted [Pd(NHC)(MA)₂] complexes are thermally more labile than their N‐aryl counterparts. Catalytic transfer semi‐hydrogenation of phenylpropyne resulted in good to excellent chemo‐ and stereo‐ selectivity conversion into (Z)‐phenylpropene. The size of the alkyl substituents correlates with the rate of hydrogenation in the sense that more bulky substituents give rise to faster transfer hydrogenation rates. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A comparison between two Pd‐Ni catalysts supported on two different supports toward Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reaction

When a single metal fails to promote an efficient Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reaction at ambient temperature, the synergistic cooperation of two distinct metals might improve the reaction. To examine the synergistic effect of palladium and nickel for catalyzing Suzuki coupling reaction, g‐C₃N₄ supported metal nanoparticles of PdO, NiO and Pd‐PdO‐NiO were prepared, characterized and their catalytic activities evaluated over different aryl halides at room temperature and 78 °C. The morphological characterization of Pd‐PdO‐NiO/g‐C₃N₄ demonstrated that the bimetallic particles were uniformly dispersed over the g‐C₃N₄ layers with diameters ranging from 3.5‐7.7 nm. XPS analysis showed that nanoparticles of Pd‐PdO‐NiO consisted of Pd(II), Pd(0) and Ni(II) sites. The experiments performed on the catalytic activity of Pd‐PdO‐NiO/g‐C₃N₄ showed that the prepared catalyst demonstrated an efficient activity without using toxic solvents.     

Engineered mesoporous ionic‐modified γ‐Fe2O3@hydroxyapatite decorated with palladium nanoparticles and its catalytic properties in water

A new mesoporous organic–inorganic nanocomposite was formulated and then used as stabilizer and support for the preparation of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs). The properties and structure of Pd NPs immobilized on prepared 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) chemically tagged on mesoporous γ‐Fe₂O₃@hydroxyapatite (ionic modified (IM)‐MHA) were investigated using various techniques. The synergistic effects of the combined properties of MHA, DABCO and Pd NPs, and catalytic activity of γ‐Fe₂O₃@hydroxyapatite‐DABCO‐Pd (IM‐MHA‐Pd) were investigated for the Heck cross‐coupling reaction in aqueous media. The appropriate surface area and pore size of mesoporous IM‐MHA nanocomposite can provide a favourable hard template for immobilization of Pd NPs. The loading level of Pd in the nanocatalyst was 0.51 mmol g^?1. DABCO bonded to the MHA surface acts as a Pd NP stabilizer and can also lead to colloidal stability of the nanocomposite in aqueous solution. The results reveal that IM‐MHA‐Pd is highly efficient for coupling reactions of a wide range of aryl halides with olefins under green conditions. The superparamagnetic nature of the nanocomposite means that the catalyst to be easily separated from solution through magnetic decantation, and the catalytic activity of the recycled IM‐MHA‐Pd showed almost no appreciable loss even after six consecutive runs.     

Hydrogenation of 2-ethylanthraquinone over Pd/Zro2-γ-Al2O3 catalyst

A ZrO₂-γ-Al₂O₃ supported Pd catalyst was prepared and characterized by XRD, XPS, H₂-TPR and TEM techniques. The catalytic activity was evaluated in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of 2-ethylanthraquinone. Comparing with Pd/γ-Al₂O₃, it showed high catalytic activity.     

Chemoselective hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanol using heterogenized cobalt oxide catalysts

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (NPs) supported on porous carbon (CoO_x@CN) were fabricated by one-pot method and the hybrids could efficiently and selectively hydrogenate phenol to cyclohexanol with a high yield of 98%.     

Nanoscale Magnetic Stirring Bars for Heterogeneous Catalysis in Microscopic Systems

Nanometer‐sized magnetic stirring bars containing Pd nanoparticles (denoted as Fe₃O₄‐NC‐PZS‐Pd) for heterogeneous catalysis in microscopic system were prepared through a facile two‐step process. In the hydrogenation of styrene, Fe₃O₄‐NC‐PZS‐Pd showed an activity similar to that of the commercial Pd/C catalyst, but much better stability. In microscopic catalytic systems, Fe₃O₄‐NC‐PZS‐Pd can effectively stir the reaction solution within microdrops to accelerate mass transfer, and displays far better catalytic activity than the commercial Pd/C for the hydrogenation of methylene blue in an array of microdroplets. These results suggested that the Fe₃O₄‐NC‐PZS‐Pd could be used as nanoscale stirring bars in nanoreactors.