Pd Nanoparticles Immobilized in Layered ZIFs as Efficient Catalysts for Heterogeneous Catalysis

Two-dimensional catalysts show outstanding catalytic performance due to their distinct laminar structure and electronic properties. A facile synthesis of layered catalysts with superior catalytic performance remains a significant challenge. Herein, a novel layered Pd@ZIF-L-Co catalyst is synthesized via a facile in situ method; additionally, a series of transitional catalysts and a three-dimensional Pd@ZIF-67 catalyst are obtained by simply adjusting the ratio of water to methanol in the solvent. Characterizations of the catalysts reveal that layered ZIF-L-Co is beneficial in the dispersion and exposure of Pd NPs, and strong interactions exist between the layered ZIF framework and the PVP-Pd. The as-fabricated Pd@ZIF-L-Co shows superior catalytic properties in the reduction of nitroarenes with NaBH₄, with a TOF value that is three times higher than that of Pd@ZIF-67. This work presents the design and synthesis of layered ZIF-based catalysts.