Dual Pd and CuFe2O4 nanoparticles encapsulated in a core/shell silica microsphere for selective hydrogenation of arylacetylenes

A dual catalyst containing Pd and CuFe2O4 nanoparticles in a silica shell exhibits >98% conversion of arylacetylenes to related styrenes with selectivity greater than 98%, which are better than those obtained using a commercial Lindlar catalyst. The excellent synergy was likely a result of the proximal interaction between Pd and CuFe2O4 nanoparticles.