Magnetic Fe3O4 supported PdAu bimetallic nanoparticles with the enhanced catalytic activity for Heck and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions

The PdAu bimetallic nanocrystals supported on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (PdAu/Fe3O4) were synthesized by a facile incipient wetness impregnation method. The as-synthesized bimetallic catalyst PdAu/Fe3O4 exhibits significantly enhanced catalytic properties for Heck cross-coupling reaction under aerobic condition compared to the monometallic counterparts. The enhanced catalytic activity is attributed to the low-alloyed structure with a Pd-rich shell and an Au-rich core as well as the synergistic effect between Pd and Au according to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results. Also, the cycle performance of the magnetic catalyst was evaluated. Reasonable yield was achieved after 6 cycles. In addition, the catalytic behavior of PdAu/Fe3O4 for Suzuki reaction was investigated, providing excellent yield and moderate cycle performance. These results suggest the magnetic bimetallic catalyst PdAu/Fe3O4 is a promising catalyst for Heck and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions.