Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Catalytic Reactions at Amine-Stabilized and Ligand-Free Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Titania During Hydrogenation of Alkenes and Aldehydes
Published on: June 24, 2022
Factors influencing hydride formation in a Pd/TiO2 catalyst
Jacinto Sá1, Geomar D Arteaga, Robert A Daley
1Surface Chemistry and Catalysis Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Meston Walk, Old Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK.
Abstract:
A sample containing Pd nanoparticles deposited on TiO(2) was subjected to a series of different thermal pretreatments. The range of these treatments was selected to provide a palladium surface in a number of different states, including a form where TiO(x) overlayers had been formed. Experiments were conducted to determine how the state of the Pd surface influenced the formation of Pd hydride. The amount of hydrogen released during a temperature-programmed experiment was used to quantify the extent of Pd beta-hydride formation following room-temperature exposure to hydrogen. Samples were characterized by HAADF (high-angle annular dark-field) electron microscopy with EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray) analysis and CO pulse chemisorption and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) of adsorbed CO. The amount and the ease with which Pd beta-hydride was formed was found to be dependent on the metal surface area, the presence of titania overlayers, and the Pd surface roughness/defect concentration.
Related Concept Videos
Radical Substitution: Hydrogenolysis of Alkyl Halides with Tributyltin Hydride
The bonds formed in this reaction are stronger than the bonds broken, making it energetically favorable. The reaction follows a radical chain mechanism similar to radical halogenation reactions,...
Heterogeneous Catalysis
Catalysis
Catalysis
Radical Reactivity: Concentration Effects
Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the surface of...

