Size controlled synthesis of Pd nanoparticles inspired from the Wacker reaction and their catalytic performances

A novel and facile strategy for the synthesis of size-controlled Pd nanoparticles employing C2H4 as the reducing agent was inspired from the Wacker reaction. Uniform Pd nanoparticles with the size ranging from 3 nm to 50 nm were successfully synthesized by using different types of capping agents and optimizing the synthesis parameters. Pd nanoparticles with different sizes exhibit a size-dependent catalytic performance in the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol that could be reasonably attributed to the surface blocking effect exerted by the capping agent chemisorbed on their surfaces and the likely electronic effect. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.