Reduced graphene oxide: firm support for catalytically active palladium nanoparticles and game-changer in hyddrogenation reactions

Abstract

Graphene oxide with its ease of synthesis, functionalization, reduction and processing possibilities emerges as a highly versatile nanobuilding block for the development of functional graphene-like materials. Its very high surface area is of particular interest for the synthesis of novel hybrid materials of use in heterogeneous catalysis. We here present a straightforward one-pot synthesis route to create Pd0 nanoparticles (Pd-NPs) firmly anchored on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets. The method fully profits from oxygen functionalities of initial graphene oxide sheets. We further show that the resulting Pd-NP/RGO hybrids exhibit remarkable catalytic activity and selectivity in mild hydrogenation reactions for a wide range of olefinic substrates. Although RGO support is not catalytically active itself, its acidic properties play an active role and may act as important game-changer to achieve enhanced selectivity of specific products in Pd catalyzed processes. Facile synthesis as well as efficient hydrogenation performance underline the promising potential of graphene oxide for the development of functional graphene-based nanohybrids for catalytic applications and beyond.