Robust Zirconium Phosphate–Phosphonate Nanosheets Containing Palladium Nanoparticles as Efficient Catalyst for Alkynes and Nitroarenes Hydrogenation Reactions

Thin nanosheets based on layered zirconium mixed phosphate–phosphonate of formula Zr2(PO4)[(PO3CH2)2NCH2COOH]2·H2O were obtained by exfoliation in aqueous solution of propylamine of the pristine crystalline precursor. Highly dispersed palladium nanoparticles, of 2–5 nm average size, were generated using palladium acetate as Pd source please change "as precursor" with "as Pd source" and immobilized on the nanosheet surface. The resulting layered nanohybrids differ in the palladium loading (from 5 to 22% in weight of Pd) and in the amount of propylamine intercalated between the nanosheets. The new 2D material was investigated as catalyst in the partial hydrogenation of C≡C bonds and in the selective reduction of nitroarenes, showing very good selectivity at full conversion under room temperature, with pretty constant activity upon recycle. Metal leaching in solution was negligible as well as no additives nor regeneration steps were needed for repeated use.