Probing nanoparticle proximity effects on selective butadiene hydrogenation over Pd-Au/TiO2 with parahydrogen-induced polarization NMR

Selective butadiene hydrogenation to butene is a crucial process in the petrochemical industry, however, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying structure-activity relationships remains elusive. This study explores the influence of supported metal nanoparticle proximity on butadiene hydrogenation using parahydrogen-induced polarization NMR spectroscopy. A sol-immobilization method was employed to systematically control the spacing between PdAu nanoparticles on Pd-Au/TiO₂ catalysts, while preserving their overall physicochemical properties. Experimental results demonstrate that denser PdAu nanoparticle arrangements lead to enhanced catalytic activity. This improved activity is coupled with accelerated isomerization of the semi-hydrogenated butene and over-hydrogenation to butane, facilitated by enhanced butene adsorption and subsequent conversion. Furthermore, increasing the hydrogen content significantly boosts butadiene conversion and butane formation, while having a less impact on butene isomerization. The addition of an inert support material, altering the spatial distribution of catalyst particles, positively affects both catalytic activity and butene selectivity. These findings highlight the critical role of nanoparticle proximity in controlling reaction pathways in butadiene hydrogenation.