Preparation and Characterization of TiO2 Coated Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube-supported Pd and its Catalytic Performance in the Asymmetric Hydrogenation of α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids

Abstract

We report for the first time the application of nanotube-supported Pd catalyst in the enantioselective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids using cinchonidine as a chiral modifier. The preparation of titania coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes supporting Pd nanoparticles is described. The Pd particles prepared by deposition–precipitation from the aqueous phase and subsequent reduction in flow of hydrogen formed agglomerates supported on the titania coated nanotubes web. The support material was characterized by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Examination of the recovered catalyst by TEM and XRD showed minor deterioration of its structure after the hydrogenations.