Catalytic Performance of Pd Nanoparticles Obtained by Direct Reduction in Cellulose–Poly(ferrocenylsilane) Hybrid Sponges

Abstract Cellulose–poly(ferrocenylsilane) (PFS) polyionic liquid (PIL) composite sponges are fabricated by codissolution of cellulose and PFS‐PIL, followed by solvent exchange and freeze‐drying. The hybrid sponges are used to in situ produce and immobilize palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs), leading to Pd NP‐decorated porous supports. The formation of Pd NPs is confirmed by TEM and XPS measurements. The as‐prepared cellulose/PFS‐PIL@Pd sponges exhibit a high catalytic activity in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NiP) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AmP). As a variety of metal NPs may be immobilized using this method, these sponges constitute a promising new class of catalytic porous supports.