Catalytic Pd nanoparticles synthesized using a lyotropic liquid crystal polymer template

Ion exchange of Pd(II) ions into a nanostructured lyotropic liquid crystal network, followed by reduction with hydrogen gas, generates a polymer composite containing finely dispersed, catalytically active Pd nanoparticles 4-7 nm in diameter. Loss of order upon nanoparticle growth appears to be due to residual mobility in the polymer matrix near the ionic headgroups. The Pd nanoparticle composite exhibits excellent product selectivity in benzaldehyde hydrogenation and high reactivity in catalyzing Heck olefinations.