Functionalization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes with pramipexole for immobilization of palladium nanoparticles and investigation of catalytic activity in the Sonogashira coupling reaction

Pramipexole drug was attached to the surface of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by reaction of acylated carbon nanotubes with pramipexole for the first time. The modified MWCNTs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopies and CHNS analysis. The prepared pramipexole–MWCNTs were used for immobilization of palladium nanoparticles as a novel nanocatalyst. After characterization of the final nanocomposite, the pramipexole–MWCNTs/Pd was applied as a novel phosphine‐free recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for Sonogashira reactions. Interestingly, the novel catalyst could be recovered and recycled five times without any significant loss in activity.     

CuI heterogenized on thiosemicarbazide modified‐multi walled carbon nanotubes (thiosemicarbazide‐MWCNTs‐CuI): Novel heterogeneous and reusable nanocatalyst in the C‐N Ullmann coupling reactions

Herein we described the synthesis of novel thiosemicarbazide‐MWCNTs‐CuI nanocatalyst by covalent grafting of thiosemicarbazide on carbon nanotubes surface and subsequent coordination with CuI catalyst. The formation of nanocatalyst was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (WDX) and ICP analysis. The morphology of the nanocatalyst was characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopes (SEM and TEM). Additionally, the (thiosemicarbazide‐MWCNTs‐CuI) nanocatalyst was successfully employed in the N ‐arylation of indole, amines and imidazoles through intermolecular C(aryl)‐N bond formation from the corresponding aryl halides (Ar–I, Ar–Br, Ar–Cl) with amines through Ullmann‐type coupling reactions. Interestingly, the novel catalyst could be recovered and recycled five times.     

Small Pd nanoparticles supported in large pores of mesocellular foam: an excellent catalyst for racemization of amines

Highly dispersed palladium nanoparticles (1–2 nm) supported in large‐pore mesocellular foam (MCF; 29 nm) were synthesized. The Pd‐nanocatalyst/MCF system was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The performance of the Pd nanocatalyst obtained was examined for amine racemization. The Pd nanocatalyst showed higher activity and selectivity toward racemization of (S)‐1‐phenylethyl amine than any other amine racemization catalyst reported so far and it could be reused several times. Our data from TEM and XRD suggest a restructuring of the Pd nanocatalyst from amorphous to crystalline and an increase in Pd nanocatalyst size during the racemization reaction. This led to an unexpected increase of activity after the first use. The Pd nanocatalyst obtained can be integrated with other resolving processes of racemic organic compounds to increase the yield of chiral organic products.     

Enhanced oxygen reduction at Pd catalytic nanoparticles dispersed onto heteropolytungstate-assembled poly(diallyldimethylammonium)-functionalized carbon nanotubes

Both Keggin-type phosphotungstic acid (HPW) and Pd are not prominent catalysts towards the oxygen reduction (ORR), but their composite Pd-HPW catalyst produces a significantly higher electrochemical activity for the ORR in acidic media. The novel composite catalyst was synthesized by self-assembly of HPW on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via the electrostatic attraction between negatively charged HPW and positively charged poly(diallyldimethylammonium (PDDA)-wrapped MWCNTs, followed by dispersion of Pd nanoparticles onto the HPW-PDDA-MWCNT assembly. The as-prepared catalyst was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TEM images show that Pd nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on the surface of MWCNTs even when the Pd loading was increased to 60 wt%. Electrochemical activity of the catalysts for the ORR was evaluated by steady state polarization measurements using a rotating disk electrode. Compared with the acid treated MWCNTs, Pd nanoparticles supported on the HPW-assembled MWCNTs show a much higher ORR activity that is comparable to conventional Pt/C catalysts. The high electrocatalytic activities could be related to high dispersion of Pd nanoparticles as well as synergistic effects originating from the high proton conductivity of HPW. The Pd/HPW-PDDA-MWCNTs system as the cathode catalyst in proton exchange membrane fuel cells is demonstrated.     

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.     

Pd/MWCNTs贫燃甲烷催化燃烧性能研究

以MWCNTs为载体,用HNO_3做氧化剂对MWCNTs进行处理,通过XPS研究了处理前后MWCNTs表面官能团的变化,并采用超声浸渍法制得Pd/MWCNTs催化剂,借助TEM,揭示了Pd粒子在催化剂表面分散度和粒径与MWCNTs表面含氧量、羟基和羰基间的关系。并考察了Pd/MWCNTs催化剂预处理方法对低浓甲烷催化燃烧活性和稳定性的影响,研究表明,Pd的价态以及Pd粒子的粒径,都与催化剂的甲烷燃烧活性直接关联。单质Pd的氧化和Pd粒径的长大是导致催化剂性能衰减的原因。通过原位FT-IR技术对反应气氛下中间物种的监测,提出了Pd/MWCNTs催化剂上的低浓度甲烷催化氧化反应机理。     

Preparation of Pd/MgO-reduced graphene oxide hybrid catalyst and enhanced activity for methanol electrooxidation

Magnesium oxide modified reduced graphene oxide supported Pd nanocatalyst (Pd/MgO-RGO) was facilely prepared by a chemical approach. The as-prepared material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The electrocatalytic behavior of Pd/MgO-RGO for methanol oxidation was studied using cyclic voltammetric and chronoamperometric methods. The results indicated that Pd/MgO-RGO nanocatalyst exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity and better stability than Pd/RGO.     

Heck and oxidative boron Heck reactions employing Pd(II) supported amphiphilized polyethyleneimine‐functionalized MCM‐41 (MCM‐41@aPEI‐Pd) as an efficient and recyclable nanocatalyst

A novel nanocatalyst was developed based on covalent surface functionalization of MCM‐41 with polyethyleneimine (PEI) using [3‐(2,3‐Epoxypropoxy)propyl] trimethoxysilane (EPO) as a cross‐linker. Amine functional groups on the surface of MCM‐41 were then conjugated with iodododecane to render an amphiphilic property to the catalyst. Palladium (II) was finally immobilized onto the MCM‐41@PEI‐dodecane and the resulted MCM‐41@aPEI‐Pd nanocatalyst was characterized by FT‐IR, TEM, ICP‐AES and XPS. Our designed nanocatalyst with a distinguished core‐shell structure and Pd²⁺ ions as catalytic centers was explored as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for Heck and oxidative boron Heck coupling reactions. In Heck coupling reaction, the catalytic activity of MCM‐41@aPEI‐Pd in the presence of triethylamine as base led to very high yields and selectivity. Meanwhile, the MCM‐41@aPEI‐Pd as the first semi‐heterogeneous palladium catalyst was examined in the C‐4 regioselective arylation of coumarin via the direct C‐H activation and the moderate to excellent yields were obtained toward different functional groups. Leaching test indicated the high stability of palladium on the surface of MCM‐41@aPEI‐Pd as it could be recycled for several runs without significant loss of its catalytic activity.     

Well‐Defined Palladium Nanoparticles Supported on Siliceous Mesocellular Foam as Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Oxidation of Water

Herein, we describe the use of Pd nanoparticles immobilized on an amino‐functionalized siliceous mesocellular foam for the catalytic oxidation of H₂O. The Pd nanocatalyst proved to be capable of mediating the four‐electron oxidation of H₂O to O₂, both chemically and photochemically. The Pd nanocatalyst is easy to prepare and shows high chemical stability, low leaching, and recyclability. Together with its promising catalytic activity, these features make the Pd nanocatalyst of potential interest for future sustainable solar‐fuel production.     

Synthesis and Performance of Polyvinylpyrrolidone‐Protected Pd Nanoparticles Supported on TiO2MWCNTs under Protection of PVP for in Alcohols Oxidation in Alkaline Media

This paper describes the synthesis and performance of Pd/p‐TiO₂‐MWCNTs for alcohol electrooxidation. Regulation of the steric repulsive forces of polyvinylpyrrolidone was used to achieve even dispersion of Pd nanoparticles over the TiO₂ surfaces. The order of the electroactivities of the Pd/p‐TiO₂? MWCNTs in alcohol oxidation was ethanol>ethylene glycol>methanol. The order of the stabilities of alcohol oxidation by Pd/p‐TiO₂? MWCNTs was ethylene glycol>ethanol>methanol. Electroimpedance spectroscopy showed that at a potential of ?0.1 V, the Pd/p‐TiO₂? MWCNTs had good tolerance of adsorbed CO in ethylene glycol oxidation, and at ?0.2 V, the Pd/p‐TiO₂? MWCNTs had good adsorbed CO tolerance in methanol oxidation.     

Biosynthesis of Pd/MnO2 nanocomposite using Solanum melongena plant extract and its application for the one‐pot synthesis of 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles from aryl halides

In this work, for the first time, Solanum melongena plant extract was used for the green synthesis of Pd/MnO₂ nanocomposite via reduction osf Pd(II) ions to Pd(0) and their immobilization on the surface of manganese dioxide (MnO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) as an effective support. The synthesized nanocomposite were characterized by various analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of Pd/MnO₂ nanocomposite was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the one‐pot synthesis of 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles from aryl halides containing various electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing groups in the presence of K ₄ [Fe (CN) ₆ ] as non‐toxic cyanide source and sodium azide. The products were obtained in good yields via a simple methodology and easy work‐up. The nanocatalyst can be recycled and reused several times with no remarkable loss of activity.     

S‐Benzylisothiourea complex of palladium on magnetic nanoparticles: A highly efficient and reusable nanocatalyst for synthesis of polyhydroquinolines and Suzuki reaction

S ‐Benzylisothiourea complex of palladium supported on modified Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (Pd‐SBTU@Fe₃O₄) is reported for carbon–carbon coupling through the Suzuki coupling reaction. Also, the synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives is reported in the presence of Pd‐SBTU@Fe₃O₄ as nanocatalyst. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The nanocatalyst was easily recovered using an external magnet and reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic efficiency. The heterogeneity of Pd‐SBTU@Fe₃O₄ was studied using hot filtration.     

Synthesis and characterization of 4‐AMTT‐Pd(II) complex over Fe3O4@SiO2 as supported nanocatalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura and Mizoroki‐heck cross‐coupling reactions in water

Immobilization of Pd(II) nanoparticles on silica‐coated modified magnetite particles has been readily achieved via a surface modification of Fe₃O₄ particles with 4‐amino‐5‐methyl‐4‐H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiol (4‐AMTT) as a ligand. This magnetite nanocatalyst was characterized by various analyses such as FT‐IR, SEM/EDX, ICP‐AES, VSM, TEM, XRD, XPS and TGA. This nanocatalyst showed admirable catalytic activity for Suzuki‐Miyaura and Mizoroki‐Heck cross‐coupling reactions under mild conditions in water, and could be simply separated by an outer magnet and reused for several times.     

Characterization of Pd/TiO2 embedded in multi-walled carbon nanotube catalyst with a high photocatalytic activity

Pd particles loading on TiO₂-embedded multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), MWCNTs, and TiO₂ particles were prepared via an impregnation method with palladium(II) chlorate solution followed by heat treatment at high temperature. To characterize the catalysts, BET surface area, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy were employed. The prepared catalysts were tested in degradation of methyl orange under visible light. Pd/TiO₂-MWCNTs catalyst demonstrates the highest photocatalytic activity, and the phase transformation from PdO to Pd0 phase takes place at heat treatment of embedded TiO₂. The nanoparticles size of TiO₂ can be decreased by introduction of MWCNTs species. Combining structural characterization with kinetic study results we could conclude that the superior catalytic performance could arise due to the Pd/TiO₂-MWCNTs catalyst’s structure.     

Palladium Nanoparticles Bonded to Two‐Dimensional Iron Oxide Graphene Nanosheets: A Synergistic and Highly Reusable Catalyst for the Tsuji–Trost Reaction in Water and Air

Low cost, high activity and selectivity, convenient separation, and increased reusability are the main requirements for noble‐metal‐nanocatalyst‐catalyzed reactions. Despite tremendous efforts, developing noble‐metal nanocatalysts to meet the above requirements remains a significant challenge. Here we present a general strategy for the preparation of strongly coupled Fe₃O₄ and palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) to graphene sheets by employing polyethyleneimine as the coupling linker. Transmission electron microscopic images show that Pd and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are highly dispersed on the graphene surface, and the mean particle size of Pd is around 3 nm. This nanocatalyst exhibits synergistic catalysis by Pd nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and a tertiary amine of polyethyleneimine (Pd/Fe₃O₄/PEI/rGO) for the Tsuji–Trost reaction in water and air. For example, the reaction of ethyl acetoacetate with allyl ethyl carbonate afforded the allylated product in more than 99 % isolated yield, and the turnover frequency reached 2200 h^?1. The yield of allylated products was 66 % for Pd/rGO without polyethyleneimine. The catalyst could be readily recycled by a magnet and reused more than 30 times without appreciable loss of activity. In addition, only about 7.5 % of Pd species leached off after 20 cycles, thus rendering this catalyst safer for the environment.     

Synthesis of magnetically recyclable Fe3O4@[(EtO)3Si–L1H]/Pd(II) nanocatalyst and application in Suzuki and Heck coupling reactions

A Pd(II) Schiff base complex as an efficient and highly heterogeneous catalyst was developed by immobilization of a palladium complex on the surface of modified Fe₃O₄ magnetite nanoparticles. These surface‐modified nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The palladium catalyst exhibited efficient catalytic activity in Suzuki and Heck coupling reactions. This method has notable advantages such as excellent chemoselectivity, mild reaction conditions, short reaction times and excellent yields. The yields of the products were in the range 85–100%. Also, the nanocatalyst can be easily recovered with a permanent magnet and reused at least five times without noticeable leaching or loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Palladium nanoparticles‐decorated triethanolammonium chloride ionic liquid‐modified TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2/IL‐Pd): A highly active and recoverable catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction in aqueous medium

In this work, an easily obtained procedure was successfully implemented to prepare novel palladium nanoparticles decorated on triethanolammonium chloride ionic liquid‐functionalized TiO₂ nanoparticles [TiO₂/IL‐Pd]. Different methods were carried out for characterizations of the synthesized nanocatalyst (HR‐TEM, XPS, XRD, FE‐SEM, EDX, FT‐IR and ICP). TiO₂/IL‐Pd indicated good catalytic activity for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction of arylboronic acid with different aryl halides in aqueous media at ambient temperature. The recycled catalyst was investigated with ICP to amount of Pd leaching after 6 times that had diminished slightly, Thus, was confirmed that the nanocatalyst has a good sustainability for C–C Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction. The catalyst can be conveniently separated by filtration of the reaction mixture and reused for 6 times without significant loss of its activity. It supplies an environmentally benign alternative path to the existing protocols for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction.     

Application and developing of iron‐doped multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (Fe/MWCNTs) as an efficient and reusable heterogeneous nanocatalyst in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds

Iron‐doped multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (Fe/MWCNTs) is an efficient, ecofriendly and reusable heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the one‐pot synthesis of heterocyclic compounds including bis‐spiro piperidines, piperidines, dihydro‐2‐oxopyrroles, pyrazoles and diazepines at room temperature with good to excellent yields. The heterogeneous nanocatalyst was fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and FT‐IR analysis. Also, the structures of all prepared compounds were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FT‐IR, mass spectrometry (MS) and elemental analysis. The major advantages of these protocols are mild and green reaction conditions, short reaction times, clean reaction, operational simplicity, easy purification and good to excellent yields with the reusable heterogeneous nanocatalyst. The catalyst was ten recycled without significant loss of activity.     

Solvent‐free synthesis of propargylamines catalyzed by an efficient recyclable ZnO‐supported CuO/Al2O3 nanocatalyst

An efficient nanocatalyst of ZnO‐supported CuO/Al₂O₃ (CuO/ZnO/Al₂O₃ nanocatalyst) was prepared by the co‐precipitation method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis. CuO/ZnO/Al₂O₃ nanocatalyst proved to be a very efficient catalyst on the synthesis of propargylamines under solvent‐free conditions in high yields. Moreover, the catalyst can be recyclable without reducing catalytic activity up to five times.     

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.