Cooperative catalysis at the metal–MOF interface: hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin over Pd nanoparticles covered with a UiO-66(Hf) MOF

Abstract

Cooperative catalysis has been demonstrated over metal–MOF hybrids for the conversion of vanillin (biomass based platform molecules) into value-added 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol. Over a Pd@UiO-66(Hf) core–shell catalyst, cooperativity between Brønsted acidic μ₃-OH groups and Pd active sites present at the interface has rendered a catalytic performance of >99% vanillin conversion and >99% 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol selectivity at 90 °C under 3 bar H₂ in water. An enhanced cooperative effect has been observed over a core–shell catalyst compared to a support catalyst.