Mechanistic aspects of formation of sintering-resistant palladium nanoparticles over SiO2 prepared using Pd(acac)2 as precursor

- SiO2 supported Pd(acac)2 is prepared by impregnation method.
- Surface OH groups on SiO2 interact with Pd(acac)2 through hydrogen bonds.
- Concentration of OH on silica surface affects the dispersion of Pd(acac)2 on SiO2.
- The single layer of Pd(acac)2 on SiO2 decompose into metallic Pd particles of 2.8 nm at 200 °C.
- The resulting metallic Pd particles demonstrate superior stability against sintering.