In this study, we synthesized porous carbon microspheres that are approximately 1-2�m in diameter. Palladium nanoparticles were then synthesized directly on the surface of the carbon microspheres. BET analysis of the carbon microspheres showed that they had a surface area of 631 m2/g. Initial testing has shown that the palladium nanoparticles on carbon microspheres (Pd/CMS) have similar catalytic activity to commercial 10%Pd/C catalyst that is often used to catalyze hydrogenations. SEM imaging of the surface of the microspheres has shown that the nanoparticles being made are 5-25nm in diameter and have a sparse distribution. Given the small size and thin distribution, we believe that the weight% of Pd will be lower than commercial catalyst. We are currently waiting on TGA results to either confirm or deny this hypothesis. Since the price of Pd is very high, the Pd/CMS catalyst shows promise as a lower cost way of catalysing hydrogenation reactions.

Palladium nanoparticles on carbon microspheres as a catalyst for hydrogenation reactions

245th National Meeting (2013)

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