Bio-inspired N self-doped 3D macroporous carbon supported Pd nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for selective hydrogenation of 1, 3-butadiene

Background: The selective hydrogenation of 1, 3-butadiene values in industrial application and scientific research, and Pd catalysts are widely used in this reaction. However, it is still a challenge to achieve high butenes selectivity at a high conversion rate. Methods: Here we report the N self-doped 3D macroporous pollen-like carbon (pollen-C) derived from the biomass of rape pollen to achieve higher butenes selectivity at high conversion rates after Pd loading. Significant findings: Experimental results reveal that the properties of pollen-C, especially the content and type of N doping, will influence the particle size and the valence of the supported Pd, thereby affecting the catalytic performance. As a result of more N dopant and unique macroporous structure, the Pd/pollen-C-500 showed better butenes selectivity of 95% at 80 degrees C than Pd/commercial activated carbon (Pd/AC).