Tuning catalytical properties of Pd/MWCNT nanoparticles via precursor variation in supercritical carbondioxide deposition

A practical, stable and non-conventional supercritical carbon dioxide deposition precursor was used to prepare Pd/MWCNT nanoparticles. The bis(2,2'bipyridyl)palladium(II) chloride precursor has a similar solubility value to commercially used precursors while advantageously it can be reduced at moderate temperatures. Palladium nanoparticles, whose particle size distribution were estimated around 10.5 nm, was deposited on multi-walled carbon nanotube support at 80 degrees C and under 20.6 MPa. The catalyst showed higher performance for the selected model Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction when compared with a similar catalyst which was prepared under similar supercritical conditions but from a different precursor. In general temperature and pressure is the main parameters to tune material properties for this method. Hence, this study reveals how different precursors in supercritical deposition method may affect the material properties for the target applications.