PdO-CuO Nanoparticles Supported on Fe2O3 Nanoplate as Highly Effective Heterogeneous Catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling Reaction

Abstract

The palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction (SMC) serves as a pivotal method for constructing carbon–carbon bonds in organic synthesis. In this study, a bimetallic Pd-Cu/Fe₂O₃ nanoplate catalyst are rationally designed and synthesized through a sequential impregnation strategy. The phase composition, morphological features, and surface electronic states of the catalyst are systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and H₂-temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). Remarkably, this heterogeneous nanocatalyst exhibits outstanding catalytic activity for SMC reactions under mild temperature of 40 °C, achieving 99% product yield within 15 min in the absence of toxic solvents or phase-transfer agents. The superior catalytic performance is mainly attributed to the coexistence of Pd²⁺ and Pd^δ+ (2 < δ < 4) on the support surface and the synergistic effect between PdO and CuO nanoparticles. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrates excellent recyclability, retaining 90% of its initial activity after five consecutive cycles. This study provides a viable strategy for developing energy-efficient heterogeneous catalysts through bimetallic synergy.