Facile synthesis, characterization and application of highly active palladium nano-network structures supported on electrospun carbon nanofibers

Abstract

Palladium nano-network structures supported on electrospun carbon nanofibers (Pd-NNSs-ECNFs) were successfully prepared through a novel K₂Pd^IICl₄/K₄Fe^II(CN)₆ cyanogel method. The Pd-NNSs have the features and properties of small particle size, low dimensionality, quantum effects and high stability. SEM, TEM and XPS were used to characterize the Pd-NNSs-ECNFs. The Pd-NNSs-ECNFs were used as a catalyst in different types of Suzuki coupling reactions to evaluate the catalytic abilities. The results showed that the heterogeneous catalyst (Pd-NNSs-ECNFs) had a high catalytic activity (high yields to the products) to the Suzuki coupling reactions in an environmentally friendly solvent system (ethanol/H₂O). The catalyst can be recycled by filtration, and reused seven times without losing the catalytic activity. This research opens new applications of Pd-NNSs-ECNFs in the area of green chemistry.