A key concern that arises with using colloidal nanoparticles as catalytic materials is the effect of the stabilizing polymer on the kinetics of the reaction.  We are currently studying the effect of the capping agent poly(vinylpyrrolidone), or PVP, on the activity and selectivity for the hydrogenation of phenol.  As model catalysts we are using Pd nanoparticles in the 1-10 nm size range capped with PVP in the 10,000 to 55,000 g/mol molecular weight range.  We are measuring particle sizes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and determining the amount of capping agent through matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).  We are performing catalytic reactions at moderate temperatures and hydrogen pressures, with the kinetic data being used to calculate turnover frequencies, reaction orders, and apparent activation energies.  Taken together, this information will allow us to elucidate the role of the capping agent during catalytic reactions in aqueous solution.

Effect of capping agent molecular weight on catalytic activity and selectivity of nanoscale palladium catalysts for aqueous phase hydrogenations

244th National Meeting (2012)

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