Recyclable hollow Pd–Fe nanospheric catalyst for Sonogashira-, Heck-, and Ullmann-type coupling reactions of aryl halide in aqueous media

Hollow Pd–Fe nanospheres were fabricated through a vesicle-assisted chemical reduction method. With the characterization of X-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron micrography, transmission electron micrography, and N2 physisorption experiment, the resulting Pd–Fe material was identified to be hollow spherical with mesoporous shell. During aqueous Sonogashira-, Heck-, and Ullmann-type coupling reactions of aryl halide, the as-prepared hollow Pd–Fe nanospheres exhibited much higher activity than the dense counterpart nanoparticles. The enhanced reactivity was attributed to both the hollow chamber structure and the promotional effect of Fe-dopants, which provided more Pd active sites for the reactants. Moreover, this hollow material displayed other advantages such as low-cost, recyclability and easy experimental handling.

Hollow Pd–Fe nanospheres are fabricated using vesicle template, which are easier to handle and exhibit enhanced catalytic reactivity in aqueous C–C coupling reactions than their dense counterparts.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (115 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Hollow Pd–Fe nanospheres can be easily fabricated through a vesicle template.
► Hollow Pd–Fe nanospheres exhibit enhanced catalytic reactivity in aqueous C–C coupling reactions.
► Hollow Pd–Fe nanospheres are easily handled in liquid-phase reaction due to its lower density.
► Hollow Pd–Fe nanospheres can be easily recovery due to its magnetic property.