Construction of a single-atom palladium catalyst by electronic metal-support interaction and interface confinement effect with remarkable performance in Suzuki coupling reaction

Abstract

Atomically distributed metal catalysts with maximal atom utilization and distinctive catalytic properties have drawn attention in a variety of reactions. However, accessing excellent catalytic efficiency while preserving high stability is critical but challenging. Here we report a straightforward strategy by synergizing electronic metal-support interaction and interface confinement effect, which enables the precise construction of atomic palladium atoms supported over UiO-66-NH2. For the Suzuki coupling of bromobenzene with phenylboronic acid, this palladium catalyst demonstrates extraordinary catalytic performance in terms of activity (turnover frequency of 13043 h−1), selectivity (>99 %), and yield (>99 %). Additionally, it shows excellent recyclability, storage stability, and wide substrate scope. The experimental characterizations and DFT calculations demonstrate the high catalytic activity is attributed to the optimized electronic metal-support interactions and positive valence state of palladium atoms over the support. This study provides fundamental insights into the precise synthesis of single atom catalysts and their application in organic transformations.