Multifunctional Pd/MOFs@MOFs Confined Core-Shell Catalysts with Wrinkled Surface for Selective Catalysis

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Process intensification is crucial for the chemical industry, aiming to maximize productivity with minimal resources.
• Tandem reactions offer a pathway to intensify processes by combining multiple steps in one pot, reducing separation costs.
• Achieving synergistic effects and preventing deactivation in multi-site catalysts remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a spatial base-metal core-shell structured catalyst with a wrinkled surface.
• To evaluate the catalyst's performance in a one-pot Knoevenagel condensation-hydrogenation tandem reaction.
• To demonstrate the catalyst's improved hydrophobicity, active site exposure, selectivity, and stability.

Main Methods:

• A direct homoepitaxial growth method in an acid/water system was employed for catalyst fabrication.
• The catalyst's performance was assessed in a Knoevenagel condensation followed by hydrogenation reaction.
• Characterization techniques were used to analyze the catalyst's structure, surface properties, and stability over multiple cycles.

Main Results:

• The core-shell structured catalyst exhibited increased hydrophobicity and enhanced exposure of active sites.
• Significantly improved product selectivity was observed for the one-pot tandem reaction compared to the uncoated catalyst.
• The catalyst maintained its performance and structural stability over 8 successive reaction cycles.

Conclusions:

• The developed spatial base-metal core-shell catalyst is effective for process intensification in tandem reactions.
• The wrinkled surface structure and controlled spatial isolation of active sites contribute to enhanced catalytic performance.
• This catalyst demonstrates significant promise for practical industrial applications due to its efficiency and durability.