Formation of a Pd/MgO Structured Catalyst for the Aqueous Oxidation of Silane to Silanol

Abstract

The catalytic oxidation of silanes to produce silanols using water as an oxidant at mild temperatures is a major challenge in Si-H activation. Highly efficient and easy-to-recycle catalysts based on Pd nanoparticles are in high demand. In this study, Pd nanoparticles embedded in an MgO porous overlayer on an Mg plate as a structured catalyst was prepared by the plasma electrolyte oxidation (PEO) technique. The Pd/MgO catalyst is strongly anchored to the MgO plate, building a structured catalyst. Fabrication parameters such as the temperature of the electrolyte and applied voltage significantly influenced the structure of the obtained Pd/MgO catalyst and in turn its catalytic activity. The catalytic activities of Pd/MgO were evaluated by activation of a Si-H bond for catalyzing the aqueous oxidation of silanes to silanol at mild temperatures. The catalytic activity of Pd nanoparticles is favored by their electro-deficient state due to influence from the MgO substrate. The Pd/MgO catalyst exhibits good performance stability during recycling. This work paves the way for fabricating structured catalysts with long-term stability and enhanced metal–oxide interaction.