Development of Supported Pd-Based Catalysts for Carbon-Carbon Cross-Coupling and Oxidation Reactions

Heterogeneous catalysts are a crucial part of chemistry used for various chemical synthesis stages, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications. The use of nanoparticles or rather nanocatalysts enhances the heterogeneous catalytic applications. Both chemical and physical methods can be used to synthesize nanocatalysts. Chemical synthesis methods require comparatively fewer instruments and can easily synthesize a large amount of nanocatalysts. Nevertheless, chemical synthesis methods require reducing agents and solvents that can be toxic or harmful materials. They often need harsh reaction conditions as well, like high temperature and pressure. On the other hand, physical synthesis methods often require complex instrument setup, but their use requires almost no toxic chemicals and can be much more environmentally friendly. They also generally do not require harsh reaction conditions and thus enable better control for the synthesis process. In the studies reported in this dissertation, both chemical and physical nanocatalyst synthesis methods have been examined for various reactions. Ligand protected Pd supported on metal oxides were synthesized by a simple chemical process for remarkable catalytic activity. Photochemical synthesis of bimetallic AuPd catalysts supported on active carbon were prepared for highly active benzyl alcohol oxidation. Monometallic Pd catalysts supported on metal oxides and carbonaceous hybrid oxides were prepared by both laser synthesis techniques and chemical synthesis methods for highly recyclable and highly active carbon-carbon cross-coupling reactions