Continuous flow hydrogenation reactions by Pd catalysts onto hybrid ZrO2/PVA materials

•Pd nanoparticles embedded into hybrid zirconia/polyvinyl alcohol matrix pellets.•Partial hydrogenation reactions in the liquid phase of CC, CC bonds and nitroarenes under continuous flow.•Efficient under mild reaction conditions.•No metal leaching, stable, use of hydrophilic solvents, no need of regeneration nor additives.

Palladium nanoparticles of 3.2 ± 0.9 nm size were generated within 12–18 mesh pellets of hybrid zirconia/polyvinyl alcohol matrix, to afford a 0.03–0.1% Pd loading (w/w). The material was used in the catalytic, continuous flow hydrogenation reaction of multiple CC and CC bonds and nitrobenzene, showing good selectivity at full conversion and excellent resistance over prolonged time-on-stream under room temperature and 1–2 bar H2 gas. No metal leaching in solution was detected as well as no additives nor regeneration steps were needed for use in hydrophilic solvents.

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