Catalytic Performance of Pd Nanoparticles Obtained by Direct Reduction in Cellulose– Poly(ferrocenylsilane) Hybrid Sponges

Cellulose–poly(ferrocenylsilane) (PFS) polyionic liquid (PIL) composite sponges are fabricated by codissolution of cellulose and PFS-PIL, followed by solvent exchange and freeze-drying. The hybrid sponges are used to in situ produce and immobilize palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs), leading to Pd NP-decorated porous supports. The formation of Pd NPs is confirmed by TEM and XPS measurements. The as-prepared cellulose/PFS-PIL@Pd sponges exhibit a high catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NiP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AmP). As a variety of metal NPs may be immobilized using this method, these sponges constitute a promising new class of catalytic porous supports.