Liquid phase photo-deposition in the presence of unmodified β-cyclodextrin: A new approach for the preparation of supported Pd catalysts

The preparation of alumina supported Pd catalysts through a photochemical approach, consisting in the liquid phase photo-deposition (LPPD) technique in the presence of unmodified β-cyclodextrin (βCD) as protecting agent, has been here investigated. It was found that it is possible to tune both the Pd nanoparticles size and their distribution over the support surface by changing the concentration of the βCD used during the photodeposition process. In fact, on increasing the amount of the βCD, the obtained Pd/Al2O3 samples exhibited Pd nanoparticles (NPs) smaller and more homogeneously distributed over the support, pointing out that the βCD has a protective effect, avoiding the growth of Pd NPs and their aggregation. It is concluded that LPPD in the presence of unmodified β-cyclodextrin represents an interesting approach for the preparation of supported Pd catalysts with a controlled metal nanoparticle size and distribution to be used in structure sensitive reactions.

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► β-Cyclodextrin is a reliable protecting agent to prepare Pd/Al2O3 catalysts by LPPD.
► The role of βCD is to prevent the growth and aggregation of Pd particles.
► It is possible to tune the Pd particle size and the distribution by changing the βCD concentration.
► β-Cyclodextrin is easily removed from the catalyst surface by simple washing.