Bayberry Tannin as Stabilizer for the Synthesis of Highly Active and Reusable Heterogeneous Pd Catalysts and Their Application in the Catalytic Hydrogenation of Olefins

In this study, the homogenous Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) were first prepared with bayberry tannin (BT) as the stabilizers. Subsequently, the obtained bayberry tannin-stabilized Pd nanoparticles (BT-Pd) were immobilized onto gamma-Al2O3 to prepare heterogeneous gamma-Al2O3-BT-Pd catalysts. Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectrum (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirmed that the Pd NPs were well stabilized by the phenolic hydroxyl groups of BT. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) observation indicated that the diameter of the Pd NPs can be effectively controlled in the range of 4.2-16.0 nm by varying the amount of BT. It is found that the gamma-Al2O3-BT-Pd catalysts exhibit highly activity for various olefin hydrogenations. For example, the initial TOF (turnover frequency) of the gamma-Al2O3-BT-Pd in the allyl alcohol hydrogenation is as high as 12804 mol.mol(-1).h(-1). Furthermore, the gamma-Al2O3-BT-Pd can be reused 5 times without significant loss of activity, exhibiting a superior reusability as compared with conventionally prepared gamma-Al2O3-Pd catalysts.