Impact of palladium silicide formation on the catalytic properties of Pd/SiO2 catalysts in liquid-phase semihydrogenation of phenylacetylene

In this study, palladium silicide was formed on the sol–gel derived SiO₂ supported Pd catalysts when they were prepared by ion-exchange method using Pd(NH₃)₄Cl₂ as a palladium precursor. No other palladium phases (PdO or Pd⁰) were evident after calcinations at 450 °C for 3 h. The Pd/SiO₂ catalysts with Pd silicide formation were found to exhibit superior performance than commercial SiO₂ supported ones in liquid-phase semihydrogenation of phenylacetylene. From XPS results, the binding energy of Pd 3d of palladium silicide on the Pd/SiO₂ catalyst shifted toward larger binging energy, indicating that Pd is electron deficient. This could probably result in an inhibition of a product styrene on the Pd surface and hence high styrene selectivities were obtained at high phenylacetylene conversions. The formation of Pd silicide, however, did not have much impact on specific activity of the Pd catalysts since the TOFs were quite similar among the various catalysts with or without palladium silicides if their average particle sizes were large enough. The TOFs decreased by an order of magnitude when palladium dispersion was very high and their average particle sizes were smaller than 3–5 nm.     

Hydrodechlorination of CCl4 over carbon-supported palladium–gold catalysts prepared by the reverse “water-in-oil” microemulsion method

Two series of carbon-supported Pd–Au catalysts were prepared by the reverse “water-in-oil, W/O” method, characterized by various techniques and investigated in the reaction of tetrachloromethane with hydrogen at 423 K. The synthesized nanoparticles were reasonably monodispersed having an average diameter of 4–6 nm (Pd/C and Pd–Au/C) and 9 nm (Au/C). Monometallic palladium catalysts quickly deactivated during the hydrodehalogenation of CCl₄. Palladium–gold catalysts with molar ratio Pd:Au = 90:10 and 85:15 were stable and much more active than the monometallic palladium and Au-richer Pd–Au catalysts. The selectivity toward chlorine-free hydrocarbons (especially for C₂₊ hydrocarbons) was increased upon introducing small amounts of gold to palladium. Simultaneously, for the most active Pd–Au catalysts, the selectivity for undesired dimers C₂H_xCl_y, which are considered as coke precursors, was much lower than for monometallic Pd catalysts. Reasons for synergistic effects are discussed. During CCl₄ hydrodechlorination the Pd/C and Pd–Au/C catalysts were subjected to bulk carbiding.     

Minimization of mass interferences in quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric (ICP-MS) determination of palladium using a flow injection on-line displacement solid-phase extraction protocol

A flow injection on-line displacement solid-phase extraction protocol was employed to minimize mass interferences with determination of palladium by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The developed method involved in on-line complexing of Ag⁺ with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDC), presorption of the resultant Ag–PDC onto a microcolumn packed with the cigarette filter, displacement sorption of Pd²⁺ through loading the sample solution onto the microcolumn due to on-line displacement reaction between Pd²⁺ and the presorbed Ag–PDC, elution of the retained Pd²⁺ with 50 μL of ethanol for on-line ICP-MS detection. Interferences from co-existing heavy metal ions with lower stability of their PDC complexes relative to Ag–PDC were minimized/eliminated. No interferences from 5 mg L^− 1 Zn and 3 mg L^− 1 Pb for ¹⁰⁴Pd, 0.4 mg L^− 1 Cu for ¹⁰⁵Pd, 6 mg L^− 1 Zn and 2 mg L^− 1 Cd for ¹⁰⁶Pd, 6 mg L^− 1 Zn and 3 mg L^− 1 Cd for ¹⁰⁸Pd, and 2 mg L^− 1 Cd for ¹¹⁰Pd were observed for the determination of 100 ng L^− 1 Pd. The enhancement factors of 71–75, sample throughput of 23 samples h^− 1 and detection limits of 2.8–3.5 ng L^− 1 were achieved with the consumption of 3.0 mL of sample solution. The precision (RSD) for eleven replicate determinations of Pd at the 100 ng L^− 1 level was 1.8–2.7%. The developed method was applied to the determination of palladium in rock samples.     

Preparation of palladium membranes from the reaction of Pd(C3H3)(C5H5) with H2: wet-impregnated deposition

A new technique to prepare a palladium membrane for high-temperature hydrogen permeation was developed: Pd(C₃H₃)(C₅H₅) an organometallic precursor reacted with hydrogen at room temperature to decompose into Pd crystallites. This reaction together with sintering treatment under hydrogen and nitrogen in sequence resulted in the formation of dense films of pure palladium on the surface of the mesoporous stainless steel (SUS) support. Under H₂ atmosphere the palladium membrane could be sintered at 823 K to form a skin layer inside the support pores. The hydrogen permeance was 5.16×10⁻² cm³ cm⁻² cm Hg⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 723 K. H₂/N₂ selectivity was 1600 at 723 K.     

Preparation of a palladium alloy composite membrane supported in a porous stainless steel by vacuum electrodeposition

Pinhole-free palladium/nickel (Pd/Ni) alloy membranes deposited on a porous stainless steel (SUS) support have been fabricated. The deposition was made by vacuum electrodeposition technique which could produce the alloy film less than 1 μm thick. This technique allows for the Pd/Ni alloy by employing Pd/Ni complex reagent, and typical Pd/Ni plating had compositions of 78% Pd and 22% Ni. In order to make the surface smooth and enhance the adhesive bond between the top layer and the substrate, a nascent porous SUS disk was treated sequently with submicron nickel powder and CuCN solution. The important parameters that can affect deposition were pore size, defects, and surface roughness of substrate. The membranes were characterized by permeation experiments with hydrogen and nitrogen at temperatures ranging from 623 to 823 K and pressures from 10.3 to 51.7 cmHg. The composite membranes prepared in this technique yielded excellent separation performance for hydrogen: hydrogen permeance of 5.79×10⁻² cm³/cm² cmHg s and hydrogen/nitrogen (H₂/N₂) selectivity was 4700 at 823 K.     

Preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide adsorbed on Pd submonolayer films deposited on Pt(1 0 0)

The electrochemical behavior of palladium modified Pt(1 0 0) in perchloric acid solution has been studied by means of cyclic voltammetry, CO bulk oxidation and in-situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. FTIR spectra on Pd submonolayers reveal that at low potentials (about 0.4 V) Pd-bounded CO is oxidized preferentially, whereas at the same time the Pt–CO oxidation rate is rather slow.     

Bismuth as an additive modifying the selectivity of palladium catalysts

The influence of bismuth addition on the activity and selectivity of palladium catalysts supported on SiO₂ in the reaction of glucose oxidation to gluconic acid was studied. The catalysts modified with Bi show much better selectivity and activity than palladium catalysts. The XRD studies proved the presence of intermetallic compounds BiPd and Bi₂Pd, which probably increase activity and selectivity of PdBi/SiO₂ catalysts in the oxidation of glucose. The TPO studies of catalysts containing 5 wt.% Pd/SiO₂, 3 wt.% Bi/SiO₂ and 5 wt.% Pd–5 wt.% Bi/SiO₂ show that palladium oxidation occurs at much higher temperatures than in the case of bismuth. The maximum rate of Pd oxidation occurs at around 580 K while the maximum rate of Bi oxidation takes place at around 430 K. Considering the above facts, a reaction involving bimetallic catalysts in oxidizing atmosphere at 333 K should not lead to surface oxidation of palladium and thus their deactivation.     

Investigation of the electrocatalytic activity of boron-doped diamond electrodes modified with palladium or gold nanoparticles for oxygen reduction reaction in basic medium

The paper reports on the electrocatalytic activity of boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes electrochemically modified with palladium (Pd) or gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline medium. The BDD/Pd NP interface shows a well-defined diffusion-controlled voltammetric oxygen reduction peak at −0.25 V vs. Ag/AgCl. This is more positive than the ORR peak at −0.59 V vs. Ag/AgCl observed on BDD/Au-NP composite electrodes. The ORR proceeds via a four-electron process in both cases.     

Morphological study of supported thin Pd and Pd–25Ag membranes upon hydrogen permeation

Morphological change of Pd and Pd–25Ag membranes supported by V–15Ni alloy upon hydrogen permeation was investigated in the temperature range 423–673 K. The supported Pd–25Ag membrane exhibited higher resistance to hydrogen-induced cracking and grain growth than the supported Pd membrane. Long-term permeation of Pd–25Ag/V–15Ni composite membrane was carried out at 573 and 673 K for 200 h. There was no strong metallic interdiffusion between the Pd–25Ag membrane and the V–15Ni support after the long-term permeation at 573 K but small amounts of oxide had formed on the surface of Pd–25Ag membrane. Whisker and fissure-oxide morphologies were dominant on the exit and entrance side of the Pd–25Ag/V–15Ni composite membrane, respectively, accompanied by severe metallic interdiffusion after the long-term permeation at 673 K. AES and FE-SEM results revealed that metallic interdiffusion and selective oxidation of vanadium were responsible for the deterioration of Pd–25Ag membrane at 673 K. Hydrogenation–dehydrogenation of Pd and Pd–25Ag membranes supported by stainless steel and V–15Ni alloy were in situ examined by an optical microscope. The formation of hydride was uniform in the Pd/V–15Ni sample but localized in the Pd–25Ag/V–15Ni sample, suggesting that the hydrogen transfer through interface was strongly dependent on the composition of Pd alloy membranes. As for the stainless steel supported samples, both Pd and Pd–25Ag membranes had fractured.     

Stability of carbon-supported palladium nanoparticles in alkaline media: A case study of graphitized and more amorphous supports

The stability and degradation mechanism of graphitized (Graphene nanosheets) and more amorphous (Vulcan XC-72R) carbon-supported palladium nanoparticles was investigated. Coupling identical-location transmission electron microscopy (ILTEM) and electrochemistry enabled to correlate the distribution of the Pd nanoparticles under accelerated stress test (up to 1000 cycles between 0.1 and 1.23 V vs. RHE, in a 0.1 M NaOH solution at 25 °C) with changes in electrochemical accessible surface area (ECSA). The carbon-supported Pd nanoparticles undergo similar rates of degradation in terms of electrochemical surface areas on both supports. However, their mechanisms of degradation differ: on amorphous carbon, the primary mode of degradation is Pd nanoparticles detachment (and minor agglomeration), whereas on graphitized supports it is more likely their coalescence and dissolution/redeposition. “Bulk” carbon-corrosion is negligible in both cases, as proven by ex situ Raman spectroscopy. So, using a graphitized carbon support (Graphene nanosheets) versus a more amorphous one (Vulcan XC-72R) does not enable to significantly depreciate the Pd/C catalyst degradation in alkaline media.     

Preconcentration procedure trace amounts of palladium using modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes sorbent prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry: 1st Nano Update

A method for preconcentration of palladium at trace level on modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes columns and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) has been developed. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were oxidized with concentrated HNO₃ and the oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes were modified with 5-(4′-dimethylamino benzyliden)-rhodanine, and then were used as a solid sorbent for preconcentration of Pd(II) ions. Factors influencing sorption and desorption of Pd(II) ions were investigated. The sorption of Pd(II) ions was quantitative in the pH range of 1.0–4.5, whereas quantitative desorption occurs with 3.0 mL 0.4 mol L^?1 thiourea. The amount of eluted palladium was measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The effects of experimental parameters, including sample flow rate, eluent flow rate, and eluent concentration were investigated. The effect of coexisting ions showed no interference from most ions tested. The proposed method permitted a large enrichment factor (about 200). The relative standard deviation of the method was ±2.73% (for eight replicate determination of 2.0 μg mL^?1 of Pd(II)) and the limit of detection was 0.3 ng mL^?1. The method was applied to the determination of Pd(II) in water, road dust, and standard samples.     

Synthesis of Pd nanowire networks by a simple template-free and surfactant-free method and their application in formic acid electrooxidation

A large volume of Pd nanowire networks with lengths of a few tens of nanometers are synthesized successfully by the inherent self-assembly process with the stabilizing effect of sodium citrate. The Pd nanowire networks exhibit a superior electrocatalytic activity for formic acid oxidation. The specific area activities of Pd nanowire at 0.1 V calculated from the forward-scan currents were 1.38 mA cm^?2, which is 97% higher than that obtained from Pd nanoparticle or peanut-like structures (0.70 mA cm^?2). The mechanism of the significant enhancement of the catalytic activity of Pd nanowire network can be due to the unique surface characteristics and effective electronic conduction path within the Pd nanowire networks.     

A simple cathodic process for carboxylating noble metals and generating new versatile electrode interfaces

The electrochemical reactivity of polarized metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium toward carbon dioxide in aprotic dimethylformamide (DMF) solutions of tetramethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TMABF₄) is presented. The capacity of metals such as Pd and Pt to cathodically insert the electrolytes under superdry conditions (via the generation of organometallic intermediates analogous to Zintl metals) is combined with the concomitant carboxylation of those metals within a potential range from − 1 V to − 2.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl/KCl(sat). Under these conditions, dense surface carboxylation of these precious metals occurs, totally suppressing their catalytic activity. Thick layers of the carboxylated metals (platinum-CO₂^– and palladium-CO₂⁻) are chemically stable and may then be further functionalized for specific applications.     

Direct electrochemistry of single-stranded DNA on an ionic liquid modified carbon paste electrode

Electrochemical oxidation of thermally denatured single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) was studied on a room temperature ionic liquid N-butylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate (BPPF₆) modified carbon paste electrode (IL-CPE). A distinct oxidation peak appeared at +0.772 V (vs. SCE) on the IL-CPE after preconcentration of ssDNA at +0.35 V for 160 s in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution (PBS), which was attributed to the oxidation of guanine residue on the ssDNA molecular structure. The results showed an apparent negative shift of the oxidation peak potential and a great enhancement of the oxidation peak current on the IL-CPE compared with that of CPE. The electrochemical parameters of ssDNA on the IL-CPE were further calculated. Under the selected conditions, a linear calibration curve for ssDNA detection was obtained in the concentration range from 10.0 to 110.0 μg mL⁻¹ with the detection limit of 1.5 μg mL⁻¹(3σ).     

Structural effects on the oxidation of formic acid on the high index planes of palladium

Electrochemical oxidation of formic acid has been studied on the stepped and kinked-stepped surfaces of Pd in 0.1 M HClO₄ containing 0.1 M formic acid with the use of voltammetry. The surfaces examined are Pd(S)-[n(1 0 0) × (1 1 0)], Pd(S)-[n(1 1 1) × (1 0 0)] and Pd(S)-[n(1 1 1) × (1 1 1)] series (n = 2–9). The results are compared with those of Pd(S)-[n(1 0 0) × (1 1 1)] series reported previously. All the electrodes give maximum currents of formic acid oxidation j_P between 0.5 and 0.8 V (RHE). The values of j_P plotted against the density of step (kink) atoms d_S depend on the surface structure remarkably. Pd(S)-[n(1 1 1) × (1 0 0)] surfaces provide maximum of j_P at n = 5, whereas Pd(S)-[n(1 0 0) × (1 1 0)] and Pd(S)-[n(1 1 1) × (1 1 1)] do not give maximum of j_P. The values of j_P have the following order: Pd(S)-[n(1 1 1) × (1 1 1)] < Pd(S)-[n(1 1 1) × (1 0 0)] < Pd(S)-[n(1 0 0) × (1 1 0)] < Pd(S)-[n(1 0 0) × (1 1 1)]. The anodic current at more negative potential 0.20 V (RHE) shows different activity series: Pd(1 1 1) and Pd(1 1 0) have the highest rate for formic acid oxidation at 0.20 V (RHE).     

Enhanced supercapacitive behaviors of birnessite

The birnessite type manganese dioxide electrode was prepared by the electrochemical stimulation as we recently described. It showed 190 F g⁻¹ in a Na₂SO₄ aqueous solution between −0.1 and 0.9 V versus Ag/AgCl at 1 A g⁻¹. The specific capacitance of birnessite was decreased by the manganese dissolution when the reduction and oxidation were repeated. By adding small amounts of Na₂HPO₄ or NaHCO₃ into the electrolyte, the capacitance increased to 200–230 F g⁻¹ and the manganese dissolution was successfully suppressed. Thanks to the additives, the birnessite demonstrated the much improved cycleability over >1800 cycles.     

A direct borohydride–peroxide fuel cell using a Pd/Ir alloy coated microfibrous carbon cathode

A direct borohydride fuel cell with a Pd/Ir catalysed microfibrous carbon cathode and a gold-catalysed microporous carbon cloth anode is reported. The fuel and oxidant were NaBH₄ and H₂O₂, at concentrations within the range of 0.1–2.0 mol dm⁻³ and 0.05–0.45 mol dm⁻³, respectively. Different combinations of these reactants were examined at 10, 25 and 42 °C. At constant current density between 0 and 113 mA cm⁻², the Pd/Ir coated microfibrous carbon electrode proved more active for the reduction of peroxide ion than a platinised-carbon one. The maximum power density achieved was 78 mW cm⁻² at a current density of 71 mA cm⁻² and a cell voltage of 1.09 V.     

Palladium(II) complex taken as a model of an antitumour agent: Synthesis and equilibrium investigation involving biologically relevant ligands

Pd(DHP)Cl₂ and Pd(DHP)(CBDCA) complexes (DHP = 1,3-diamino-2-hydroxopropane and CBDCA = 1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylate), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectral measurements. The coordination of [Pd(DHP)(H₂O)₂]²⁺ with some selected bio-relevant ligands, containing different functional groups was investigated. The ligands used are amino acids, peptides, DNA constituents and dicarboxylic acids. Stoichiometry and stability constants of the complexes formed are reported at 25 °C and 0.1 M ionic strength. The results show the formation of 1:1 complexes with amino acids and dicarboxylic acids. DNA constituents form 1:1 and 1:2 complexes. Peptides form both 1:1 complexes and the corresponding deprotonated amide species. The effect of chloride ion concentration and dioxane on the acid dissociation constants of 1,1-cyclobutane dicarboxylic acid (CBDCAH₂) and the formation constant of its complex with Pd(DHP)²⁺ was reported. The equilibrium constants for the displacement of coordinated ligands as uracil, glycine or methionine by cysteine are calculated. The results are expected to contribute to the chemistry of antitumour agents.     

Gold doped by palladium: Building of Au–Pd electrodes showing exceptional capability for achieving electrocatalytic reductions

Smooth gold is easily palladized by means of very thin galvanostatic deposits of Pd⁰. Such chemically modified materials are mainly tested in acetonitrile in the presence of tetraalkylammonium salts (TBABF₄). All exhibit large usable electrochemical windows: between ? 1.8 V and + 1.5 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE). When employed as cathodic material, they show exceptional catalytic capabilities especially for achieving the one-electron cleavage of organic halides (RX). Thus, these modified surfaces, found to be chemically and electrochemically stable, lead to amazing potential shifts compared to those obtained with glassy carbon, smooth platinum, or gold cathodes under the same experimental conditions. Specifically, these palladium-doped gold interfaces were preliminarily used for the reduction of alkyl iodides RIs. The presence of gold is expected to boost up the catalytic effect of palladium already reported with such compounds.     

Effect of Dissolving Temperature on the Amount of Palladium Dissolved in Borosilicate Glass

To clarify the dissolving behavior of palladium, the effect of temperature on the amount of palladium dissolved in borosilicate glass was investigated. Glass and palladium oxide, selected as a starter material, were mixed and heated at prescribed temperature. The amount of dissolved palladium became higher with temperature increasing up to 850 °C, and lower above 850 °C. Above 850 °C, the reduction of palladium oxide was accelerated. For palladium dissolution in borosilicate glass, not only the viscosity and basicity of the glass but also the decomposition temperature of the initial palladium species seemed to affect the amount of palladium dissolved in glass.