Simple and direct synthesis of oxygenous carbon supported palladium nanoparticles with high catalytic activity

A concise synthesis of Pd nanoparticles encapsulated in a sponge-like carbonaceous support (Pd/C) was achieved by mixing a solution containing water, ethylene glycol and Pd(II) with diphosphorus pentoxide, leading to excellent catalytic performance of Pd/C towards the reduction of the model aromatic nitro compound.