Simple synthesis of sub-nanometer Pd clusters: High catalytic activity of Pd/PEG-PNIPAM in Suzuki reaction

Abstract

Ultra-small metal nanoclusters have high surface energy and abundant active sites, and therefore their catalytic activities are usually significantly higher than those of larger nanoparticles. A temperature-responsive copolymer, namely poly(ethylene glycol)-co-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PEG-PNIPAM) was synthesized as the first step, and then ultra-small Pd clusters stabilized within PEG-PNIPAM copolymer micelles were formed by direct reduction. Pd nanoclusters of size less than 2 nm showed outstanding catalytic activity in the Suzuki coupling reaction. The reaction between iodobenzene and phenylboronic acid was completed in as little as 10 s (turnover frequency = 4.3 × 104 h−1). A yield of 64% was achieved in 5 min in the reaction between chlorobenzene and phenylboronic acid. The catalyst showed significant deactivation during three consecutive runs. However, this composite catalyst consisting of Pd/PEG-PNIPAM can be easily recycled based on the reversible phase transition of temperature-responsive PEG-PNIPAM. This catalyst therefore has good potential for practical applications.