Pd NPs supported on N-doped carbon layer coated ZrSBA-15 for efficient heterogeneous catalysis reactions

Through hydrothermal synthesis and impregnation-reduction processes, a series of Pd-based nanocomposites using N-doped carbon layers coated ZrSBA-15 as the supports have been manufactured, aiming to upgrade the catalytic activity and stability of the catalysts. Pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA) was served as a nitrogen source to generate N-doped carbon (CN) layers that were pre-deposited into the acidic platelet framework ZrSBA-15, and then followed by introducing Pd-0 nanoparticles (NPs) onto it, finally leading to the formation of target composite Pd/CN-ZrSBA-15. The samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, FUR, XPS etc. The catalytic performance of as-prepared catalysts was evaluated by the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol and the reduction of 4-NP, respectively. Duo to the platelet-like morphology with shortened channels and the modification of N-doped carbon layers, which could effectively decrease pore blocking in the process of preparation and reactions as well as enhance the metal-support interaction, the derived catalysts could afford 85% conversion of benzyl alcohol and 100% selectivity of benzaldehyde, and the conversion of 4-NP was also up to 96%. More remarkably, the catalysts could be reused at least ten times without significantly loss in catalytic activity.