Embedding Pd-Cu Alloy Nanoparticles in Shell of Surface-Porous N-Doped Carbon Nanosphere for Selective Hydrogenation of p-Chloronitrobenzene

Main observation and conclusion A catalyst PdxCuy/NC in which Pd-Cu alloy nanoparticles are superficially embeded in shell of surface-porous N-doped carbon nanosphere was successfully devised for p-chloronitrobenzene (p-CNB) selective hydrogenation. Bimetal ions were loaded in shell of a m-phenylenediamine derived core-shell polymer sphere and the catalyst was obtained after calcination under reducing atmosphere. The as synthesized catalyst exhibited high selectivity in hydrogenation of p-CNB to p-chloroaniline (p-CAN) (up to 98.8%) under full conversion and the performance was basically remained after 6 cyclic experiments. The reasons for the high selectivity were discussed based on the characterization results of catalyst. The interaction between N-doped support and metal atoms affected the electron distribution in alloy, electron-deficient Pd and electron-rich Cu, and thus improved hydrogenation selectivity. In addition, the alloy nanoparticles were distributed only in the porous shell of support, which benefits to prevent side reactions. This work described a scheme for tactfully designing catalyst for selective hydrogenation, which can provide experience and inspiration for relevant works and fields.