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 Pdn (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 Pdδ+ as the key active component. This work aimed to explore the relationship among the number of Pd atoms, their electronic structure and catalytic activity.