Improving the catalytic performances of metal nanoparticles by combining shape control and encapsulation

- Aerosol synthesis of shape-controlled Pd nanocube collections embedded in silica shells.
- Pd@SiO2 is highly active and selective in the semi-hydrogenation of butadiene.
- Shape control promotes selectivity with respect to standard impregnation methods.
- Encapsulation in mesoporous silica preserves activity and prevents Pd agglomeration.