We demonstrate that such a combination allows cooperative catalysis to operate between Pd NP and Pd SA that involves the formation of Pd SA–H species, which are much more active than Pd NP–H for alkene hydrogenation but also isomerization. A high concentration of oxygenated surface groups is also necessary on the support to allow hydrogen spillover. A high concentration of surface defects on the support is necessary to stabilize Pd single atoms (Pd SA), which coexist with Pd NP on Pd/C catalysts. Highly dispersed Pd nanoparticles (Pd NP) are necessary to activate dihydrogen. Here, through a combined experimental–theoretical study, we provide an explanation of the influence of these three structural characteristics of Pd/C catalysts for alkene hydrogenation. Catal., 2019, 372, 226–244) that a structure/activity correlation exists in Pd/C catalysts for myrcene hydrogenation, which integrates the Pd dispersion, and the surface concentration of oxygen groups and defects of the support.

Publisher 2019