Preparation of palladium nanocrystals by membrane absorption of hydrogen

Palladium nanocrystals were prepared as a model product by membrane absorption of hydrogen for the first time. The effects of stabilizers and metallic compound concentrations on the nanocrystals morphology were studied. Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), polyethylene glycol and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide exhibited good effects for particles passivation. The particle size declined with increased stabilizer-to-PdCl2 molar ratio or decreased PdCl42− concentration, and the average size was about 5 nm. The Pd nanocrystals showed excellent catalytic activity in hydrogenation of styrene.

► Palladium nanocrystals were prepared by membrane absorption of hydrogen.
► Pd particle size declines with increased stabilizer-to-PdCl2 molar ratio.
► Pd nanocrystals exhibited excellent catalytic activity in styrene hydrogenation.