Pd/graphene nanocomposite as highly active catalyst for the Heck reactions

• Pd nanoparticles were supported on the surface of the graphene sheets.
• Pd/graphene is an efficient heterogeneous catalyst.

The graphene-supported Pd (Pd/graphene) catalyst was synthesized using the graphene oxide and Pd salt as precursor; then both Pd nanoparticles and graphene oxide were chemical reduced by hydrazine hydrate. Transmission electron microscope and powder X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the Pd nanoparticles, which supported on the surface of the graphene sheets with the size of 2–6 nm. The catalytic activity of Pd/graphene was investigated in Heck coupling reactions with activated and non-activated aryl substrates. The Pd/graphene composites exhibit an excellent catalytic activity, low Pd leaching, and reuse ability of at least five recycles in air for the Heck carbon-carbon coupling reaction. The experimental results showed the graphene sheets were great support for ligand-free Pd catalyst.

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