Electronic structure modulation of Pdn (n = 2–5) nanoclusters in the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde

Abstract

Studying the modulation of nanoclusters at an atomic scale is essential to comprehend the connection between properties and catalytic performance. Herein, we synthesized and characterized Pd_n (n = 2–5) nanoclusters coordinated with di-1-adamantylphosphine. Pd₅ nanoclusters showed the best catalytic performance (conversion = 99.3%, selectivity = 95.3%) for the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to hydrocinnamaldehyde, with XPS identifying Pd^δ+ as the key active component. This work aimed to explore the relationship among the number of Pd atoms, their electronic structure and catalytic activity.