Synthesis, properties, and activity of nanosized palladium catalysts modified with elemental phosphorus for hydrogenation

The applicability of elemental phosphorus as a modifier of palladium catalysts for hydrogenation was demonstrated, and the conditions for the synthesis of nanoparticles that are highly efficient in hydrogenation catalysis were optimized. The modifying effect of elemental phosphorus depends on the P/Pd ratio; it is associated with changes in the catalyst dispersity and the nature of the formed nanoparticles containing various palladium phosphides (PdP2, Pd5P(2), and Pd6P) and Pd(0) clusters. The main stages of the formation of palladium catalysts for hydrogenation were determined, and a model of an active catalyst, in which the Pd6P phosphide is the core of a nanoparticle and Pd(0) clusters form a shell, was proposed.