Selective Semihydrogenation of Phenylacetylene to Styrene Catalyzed by Alloyed Palladium/Gold Catalysts Anchored on Cerium Oxide

Chemoselective semihydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes is a significant organic transformation and long challenge for heterogeneous catalysts. Herein, the PdAu alloyed nanoparticles were successfully deposited on the surface of cerium(IV) oxide nanorods (NR-CeO2) through an electroless chemical deposition process. Alloyed catalysts had an enhanced catalytic activity for hydrogenation of phenylacetylene and improved selectivity towards styrene, compared with the Pd/NR-CeO2 and Au/NR-CeO2 catalysts. The enhanced catalytic activity can be attributed to the alloying effects. Furthermore, the weak adsorption of styrene obtained from the modulated surface characteristics also benefits the improved chemoselectivity.