Core–shell-structured Fe3O4/Pd@ZIF-8 catalyst with magnetic recyclability and size selectivity for the hydrogenation of alkenes

The catalytic activity, recyclability and selectivity are the key issues resisting the noble metal nanocatalysts in the practical applications. In the present work, core–shell-structured Fe3O4/Pd@ZIF-8 catalyst was prepared by in situ coating Fe3O4/Pd microspheres with ZIF-8 shells. The catalyst structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption–desorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The special catalyst structure which possesses the Fe3O4 cores, Pd nanoparticles and microporous ZIF-8 shells endowed the catalyst with magnetic recyclability, high catalytic activity and size selectivity for the hydrogenation of alkenes. It is believed that this study can provide a promising strategy to prepare core–shell-structured noble metal nanocatalysts with metal-framework shells.