Polydimethylsiloxane Sponge-Supported Metal Nanoparticles as Reusable Catalyst for Continuous Flow Reactions

In this manuscript, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponges supporting metal nanoparticles (gold and palladium) were developed and their catalytic properties were studied through a model reaction such as the hydrogenation of p-nitrophenol. Different synthetic conditions for gold and palladium were studied to obtain the best catalyst in terms of nanoparticle loading. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by different techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The catalytic efficiency and recyclability of the supported catalyst were tested in static conditions. In addition, thanks to the porous structure of the material where the catalytic centers (metal nanoparticles) are located, the model reaction for continuous flow systems was tested, passing the reaction components through the catalyst, observing a high efficiency and recyclability for these systems.