Electronic structure modulation of Pdn (n=2-5) nanoclusters in the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde

Studying the modulation of nanoclusters at an atomic scale is essential to comprehend the connection between properties and catalytic performance. Herein, we synthesized and characterized Pd-n (n = 2-5) nanoclusters coordinated with di-1-adamantylphosphine. Pd-5 nanoclusters showed the best catalytic performance (conversion = 99.3%, selectivity = 95.3%) for the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to hydrocinnamaldehyde, with XPS identifying Pd & delta;+ as the key active component. This work aimed to explore the relationship among the number of Pd atoms, their electronic structure and catalytic activity.

Automated summary

Studying the modulation of nanoclusters at an atomic scale is crucial for understanding the correlation between properties and catalytic performance. In this study, we synthesized and characterized Pd-n (n = 2-5) nanoclusters coordinated with di-1-adamantylphosphine. Pd-5 nanoclusters exhibited the highest catalytic performance (conversion = 99.3%, selectivity = 95.3%) for the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to hydrocinnamaldehyde, with XPS identifying Pd & delta;+ as the key active component. The objective of this work was to explore the relationship among the number of Pd atoms, their electronic structure, and catalytic activity.