Cellulose Sponge Supported Palladium Nanoparticles as Recyclable Cross-Coupling Catalysts

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Catalysis

Background:

• Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) sponges offer a sustainable and versatile platform.
• Developing efficient and reusable catalysts is crucial for green chemistry.
• Metal nanoparticles (NPs) are effective catalysts but often suffer from leaching and poor recyclability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare robust and flexible cellulose sponges.
• To utilize these sponges as carriers for palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs).
• To evaluate the catalytic performance of Pd NPs immobilized on the modified cellulose sponges in cross-coupling reactions.

Main Methods:

• Dual-cross-linking of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) with γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) and polydopamine (PDA).
• In situ growth of Pd NPs on the surface of the modified CNF sponges.
• Characterization using FT-IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM, and TGA.
• Application in heterogeneous Suzuki and Heck cross-coupling reactions.

Main Results:

• Successfully prepared robust and flexible dual-cross-linked cellulose sponges.
• Achieved homogeneous dispersion of Pd NPs on the CNF surface with narrow size distribution, confirmed by XRD, EDX, and TEM.
• Demonstrated high catalytic activity in Suzuki and Heck cross-coupling reactions.
• Exhibited negligible Pd leaching and excellent reusability of the catalyst.

Conclusions:

• The dual-cross-linked CNF sponges are effective supports for Pd NPs.
• The developed Pd NP/CNF catalysts show high efficiency, stability, and reusability for cross-coupling reactions.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for developing sustainable heterogeneous catalysts.