Pd nanoparticles supported on cubic shaped ZIF-based materials and their catalytic activates in organic reactions

Abstract Pd nanoparticles decorated on cubic shaped ZIF-based materials have been successfully prepared. The nanocomposites have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, N2 sorption analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The catalytic activities of synthesized materials were evaluated in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling. The results showed the catalytic activity of Pd@A-ZIF-8 was higher than Pd@A-ZIF-67 and Pd@A-BMZIF. Additionally, the catalytic activities of as-synthesized nanocomposites were studied on the reduction of nitroarenes. The catalytic activity of Pd@A-ZIF-67 was higher than Pd@A-ZIF-8 and Pd@A-BMZIF in the reduction of nitrobenzene. The synergistic action between Pd and Zn, Pd and Co species may play an important role in highly active catalytic species in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction and reduction of nitroarenes, respectively. The reusability of as-synthesized nanocomposites was checked, and the catalytic activity was retained after six consecutive reaction runs.