Preparation of semi-hydrogenation catalysts by embedding Pd in layered double hydroxides nanocages via sacrificial template of ZIF-67

In this work a Pd/Fe-Co-Ni layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite was prepared and investigated in the semi-hydrogenation of 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol (MBY). Hollow nanocages of ternary Fe-Co-Ni LDH were constructed by stacking the LDH nanosheets edge-to-face which inherited the rhombic dodecahedral structure of ZIF-67 templates. Uniform palladium (Pd) nanocrystals with cubic shapes were imbedded in the LDH nanocages via a solvothermal method. The hydroxyl groups on LDH supports were critical to inhibit the association of excess hydrogen atoms on the catalyst, so less MBY molecules were converted to 2-methyl-2-butanol (MBA) during the hydrogenation catalysis. Under optimized reaction conditions the hydrogenation activity of Pd/Fe-Co-Ni LDH was significantly improved, and the conversion of MBY was higher than 99% with selectivity of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBE) exceeding 99%. The catalyst was easily recovered and had little reduction in catalytic performance during the cycling reactions.