Silica supported nanopalladium prepared by hydrazine reduction

Palladium catalysts (1–10 wt.% Pd) supported on silica were prepared by hydrazine reduction of palladium chloride at room temperature. They were characterized by XRD, TEM, EDX, H2-adsorption, and H2-TPD and tested in the gas phase hydrogenation of benzene in the temperature range 75–250 °C. A conventional catalyst (1 wt.% Pd) obtained by calcination then hydrogen reduction of the same metal precursor was studied for comparison. Metal particles with a size range 6.8–28.4 nm were obtained. Dispersion, hydrogen storage and activity in benzene hydrogenation increased with decreasing particle size. In comparison, the classical catalyst was found much more dispersed (mean particle size of 1.6 nm) and more active (specific rate 1.6–3.7 times higher) than the homolog hydrazine catalyst. However, unexpectedly, turnover frequency (TOF) calculations indicated a greater reactivity of the metal surface atoms for the hydrazine catalyst. It also stored more hydrogen. These contrasting results are discussed in relation with the metal particle morphology.