Design and synthesis of a new heterogeneous metal–organic framework-based nanocatalyst (Pd@TMU-17-NH2-Glu-Mla) with excellent performance toward Suzuki coupling reactions

Abstract

The immobilization of metal species onto solid supports is a key strategy in developing efficient heterogeneous catalysts, offering advantages such as enhanced stability, recyclability, and ease of separation. Among various support materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted considerable attention due to their high surface area, tunable porosity, and versatile functionalization capabilities. These features make MOFs ideal candidates for stabilizing active metal species and preventing nanoparticle aggregation, thereby improving catalytic performance. In this study, a novel Pd-based heterogeneous nanocatalyst was synthesized using TMU-17-NH₂ as the MOF support. The framework was functionalized with glutaraldehyde (Glu) and melamine (Mla) to introduce active anchoring sites for palladium nanoparticles. The resulting catalyst, Pd@TMU-17-NH₂-Glu-Mla, was successfully applied in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, exhibiting excellent catalytic activity and high product yields under mild conditions. Furthermore, the catalyst retained its performance over five consecutive reaction cycles with negligible loss of efficiency, confirming its stability and reusability.