Direct synthesis of Pd nanoparticles on alginic acid and seaweed supports

The direct synthesis of Pd catalysts using biosorption onto alginic acid and seaweed supports has been successfully achieved. The materials were carbonised to 300 °C and tested in C–C coupling reactions. The heating rate used during the stabilisation of the material had a direct effect on the activity of the catalyst with slower heating rates resulting in increased rates of reaction. Over 120 minutes the alginic acid catalysts achieved an 81% yield for the Heck reaction of iodobenzene with methyl acrylate. Both the seaweed and alginic acid catalysts were successfully reused 2 and 3 times respectively and demonstrated a significant improvement over Pd on carbon 1 wt% (Pd/C) which was not reusable. Overall, this work has shown that active nanoparticles of Pd could be produced using sustainable raw materials and green chemical processes. Such methods may open new doors for future metal capture and use.