Atomically dispersed Pd-Ru dual sites in an amorphous matrix towards efficient phenylacetylene semi-hydrogenation

Optimizing the active sites to balance the conversion and selectivity of the target reaction has long been a challenging quest in developing noble metal-based catalysts. By dispersing Pd and Ru in an amorphous zirconium hydrogen phosphate matrix cross-linked by ionic inorganic oligomers, highly diluted noble metal (<0.2 mol%) can be utilized as dual single-atom sites in oxides for the semi-hydrogenation of phenylacetylene with optimized conversion and selectivity (both >90%) to styrene. In situ DRIFT-IR results suggested the fast generation of surface hydroxyl groups during the catalytic reaction, indicating the high efficiency of the single-atom sites to dissociate bound H-2. This work provides an easily scaled-up method for the production of cost-effective single-atom catalysts extendable to various oxide matrices.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates a method for optimizing the conversion and selectivity of noble metal-based catalysts in the semi-hydrogenation reaction by dispersing Pd and Ru in an amorphous zirconium hydrogen phosphate matrix. The highly diluted noble metals can act as dual single-atom sites in oxides, with both conversion and selectivity exceeding 90%. In situ DRIFT-IR results show the rapid generation of surface hydroxyl groups, indicating the high efficiency of the single-atom sites in dissociating bound H-2. This work provides a scalable approach for producing cost-effective single-atom catalysts extendable to various oxide matrices.