Mesoporous Palladium Catalyst for Efficient Electrochemical Semi‐Hydrogenation of Alkynes

Abstract

AbstractDeveloping robust electrocatalysts for efficient semi‐hydrogenation of alkynes to markedly important alkenes is highly desirable in both research and industry areas. In this work, it is reported that robust palladium mesoporous nanospheres (Pd MSs) with electron‐rich active sites perform perfectly as cathode electrocatalyst for electrochemical semi‐hydrogenation of alkynes in water. In comparison to its counterparts, Pd MSs hold remarkable conversion (97%), superior selectivity (98%), good operation stability in selective semi‐hydrogenation of p‐aminophenylene. High performance is assigned to electron‐rich Pd sites within mesopores that not only favor the formation of active H* but also accelerate the desorption of p‐aminostyrene. Meanwhile, Pd MSs are also highly efficient in selective semi‐hydrogenation of various terminal alkynes with different substituents. It is thus expected that robust Pd MSs can be demonstrated as an alternative catalyst design paradigm for other electrochemical hydrogenation reactions.