Synthesis of carbon-supported Pd/SnO2 catalyst for highly selective hydrogenation of 2,4-difluoronitrobenzene

Halogenated anilines have a wide range of applications in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemical substances, and thus it is of great importance to develop highly active and selective catalysts for the hydrogenation of halogenated nitrobenzenes. We approach this challenge by probing noble metal/non-noble metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) catalysts. Carbon-supported Pd/SnO2 catalysts were synthesized by the chemical reduction method, and their catalytic activity was evaluated by the hydrogenation reaction of 2,4-difluoronitrobenzene (DFNB) to the corresponding 2,4-difluoroaniline (DFAN), showing a remarkable synergistic effect of the Pd and SnO2 NPs. The as-prepared Pd/SnO2/C catalysts were characterized using TEM, XRD, H2 TPD and XPS techniques. Modifications to the electronic structure of the Pd atoms through the use of SnO2 led to the suppression of the hydrogenolysis of the CF bond and the acceleration of nitrosobenzene (DFNSB) conversion and consequently, resulted in the inhibition of the formation of reactive by-products and may be responsible for the enhancements observed in selectivity.

Pd/SnO2 catalysts were successfully prepared on carbon support, and the activity and selectivity of the Pd/SnO2/C catalyst were improved significantly.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide