DFT reveals the support effects in Pd nanoclusters over defect-ridden graphene for the oxidative addition of bromobenzene

Computational analysis of R-X oxidative addition to Pd nanoparticles

Oxidative addition (OA) is a necessary step in mechanisms of widely used synthetic methodologies such as the Heck reaction, cross-coupling reactions, and the Buchwald-Hartwig amination. This study pioneers the exploration of OA of aryl halide to palladium nanoparticles (NPs), a process previously unaddressed in contrast to the activity of well-studied Pd(0) complexes. Employing DFT modeling and semi-empirical metadynamics simulations, the oxidative addition of phenyl bromide to Pd nanoparticles was investigated in detail. Energy profiles of oxidative addition to Pd NPs were analyzed and compared to those involving Pd(0) complexes forming under both ligand-stabilized (phosphines) and ligandless (amine base) conditions. Metadynamics simulations highlighted the edges of the (1 1 1) facets of Pd NPs as the key element of oxidative addition activity. We demonstrate that OA to Pd NPs is not only kinetically facile at ambient temperatures but also thermodynamically favorable. This finding accentuates the necessity of incorporating OA to Pd NPs in future investigations, thus providing a more realistic view of the involved catalytic mechanisms. These results enhance the understanding of aryl halide (cross-)coupling reactions, reinforcing the concept of a catalytic "cocktail". This concept posits dynamic interconversions between diverse active and inactive centers, collectively affecting the outcome of the reaction. High activity of Pd NPs in direct C-X activation paves the way for novel approaches in catalysis, potentially enhancing the field and offering new catalytic pathways to consider.

Revealing the promotion of carbonyl groups on vacancy stabilized Pt4/nanocarbons for propane dehydrogenation

Nanocarbons are promising supports for Pt clusters applied in propane dehydrogenation (PDH), owing to their large surface areas and tunable chemical properties. The vacancies and oxygen-containing groups (OCGs) in nanocarbons can enhance catalytic performance by tailoring the coordination environment of Pt clusters. Herein, 46 nanocarbons with coexisting vacancies and OCGs were designed to support Pt clusters, of which the influences on PDH were revealed by density functional theory calculations. Nanocarbons with divacancies (V2) and CO edge groups were screened out as the most appropriate support for Pt clusters in PDH. Due to the V2, tetrahedral Pt clusters were distorted into three-layered configurations, contributing to enhanced binding strength and a favorable reactive pathway starting from the methylene group in propane. This changed the rate-determining step to the first C-H bond scission with a low energy barrier. The introduction of CO edge groups coexisting with V2 further improved the stabilization of Pt clusters, resulting from the increased electron transfer from Pt atoms to C atoms. The abilities to break C-H bonds and inhibit C-C bond cracking were also enhanced as compared to the nanocarbons with only V2. Therefore, this work provides references on the regulation of vacancies and OCGs in carbon-based catalysts.