The Effect of Functional Group Polarity in Palladium Immobilized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Catalysis: Application in Carbon-Carbon Coupling Reaction

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are effective supports for nano metals and together they represent hybrids that combine unique properties of both. A microwave induced reaction was used to deposit nano palladium on carboxylated and octadecylamine functionalized multiwall CNTs, which were used to carry out C-C coupling reactions in DMF and toluene. These hybrids showed excellent catalytic activity with yield as high as 99.8% while its enhancement with respect to commercially available Pd/C catalyst reached as high as 109%, and the reactions times were significantly lower. Polarity of the functionalized form was found to be a significant factor with the polar carboxylated CNT showing better activity in DMF while the relatively nonpolar octadecyl amine was better in toluene. The results suggest the possibility of tailor making functionalized CNT when used as catalyst supports

Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

“…The trends and advances regarding the synthetic routes and structural properties of MWCNTs-based (nano)composites have been discussed in several reports [2][3][4][5][6], proving the importance of this topic for pushing MWCNT exploitation and industrial use forward. Ma et al [2] proposed a new route for the synthesis of MWCNT nanohybrids using azide-terminated poly(methyl methacrylate), through the utilization of a combination of reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer and the alkyne-azide click reaction.…”

“…The as-prepared nanohybrids could be steadily dispersed in aqueous solutions, including water, because of the azide-terminated poly(methyl methacrylate) chain on the MWCNT surface. Chandra et al [3] inserted nanopalladium on carboxylated and octadecylamine functionalized MWCNTs that were further extensively characterized. The synthesized hybrids exhibited a good catalytic activity towards a carbon-carbon coupling reaction.…”