Pd–palygorskite catalysts: Preparation, characterization and catalytic performance for the oxidation of styrene

Palygorskite (PAL) supported Pd nanoparticle (NP) catalyst was prepared by a simple ion-exchange method. This catalyst showed good catalytic performance for the oxidation of styrene epoxidation (95.2% conversion and 90.2% epoxidation selectivity, TON as high as 13,448 could be achieved). This catalyst was characterized by TEM, XRD, FT-IR and XPS, the data reveal the presence of strong interaction between Pd NP and PAL supports, and the good catalytic performance is closely related to this interaction and the surface polarity of PAL. Meanwhile, the ion-exchanged Pd NPs can be recycled without loss of catalytic efficiency. Ultimately, some reaction parameters have been investigated and reaction conditions are optimized.