Adsorption of Pd(hfac)2 on mesoporous silica SBA-15 using supercritical CO2 and its role in the performance of Pd-SiO2 catalyst

► Adsorption isotherms of Pd(hfac)2 dissolved in scCO2 onto mesoporous SiO2 SBA-15 are reported. ► The effects of T, P and density on the adsorption equilibrium are studied. ► Pd-SiO2 catalyst are prepared by H2 reduction of the impregnated (adsorbed) samples. ► Pd-SiO2 materials effectively catalyse the continuous hydrogenation of isophorone in scCO2. ► Adsorption conditions have a profound effect on the performance of the Pd-SiO2 catalysts.