Pd nanoparticles encaged within amine-functionalized metal-organic frameworks: Catalytic activity and reaction mechanism in the hydrogenation of 2,3,5-trimethylbenzoquinone

Pd nanoparticles encaged within an amine-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF), [email protected]2-UiO-66, was successfully prepared via one pot direct construction of the MOF framework, cooperative in situ metal precursor incorporation followed by on-site moderate reduction process. Because of its abundant of nanocages accessible through small pore windows, as well as excellent coordination capability of metal ions sites from the amine groups within the NH2-UiO-66 matrix, the Pd nanoparticles were homogeneously confined within its cavities. Intriguingly, the prepared [email protected]2-UiO-66 exhibits a high catalytic activity and exclusive selectivity in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of 2,3,5-trimethylbenzoquinone (TMBQ) to 2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone (TMHQ), a key vitamin-E intermediate in a short period under relatively mild reaction conditions. Additionally, this catalyst was recycled up to 8 times without significant loss in both activity and selectivity. Furthermore, reaction mechanism was investigated using dispersion corrected density functional theory calculations, suggesting that the superior performance of [email protected]2-UiO-66 could be ascribed to the cooperation between the Pd nanoparticle and the amine-functionalized UiO-66. This MOF-based composite shows great potential as heterogeneous catalyst for the catalytic hydrogenation reactions due to its high stability, excellent catalytic properties, and simple preparation.