Schiff-base Post-Synthetic Modification of IRMOF-3 to Encapsulate Pd Nanoparticles: It’s Application in C-C Bond Formation Cross-Coupling Suzuki Reaction

In this report, an IRMOF-3 was prepared via a solvothermal method, and a post-synthesis modification approach was employed for its Schiff-base functionalization with salicylaldehyde (SI). Next, Pd(II) ions were encapsulated into the pores of the Schiff-base modified MOF by an impregnation method. Reduction of Pd(II) to Pd NPs was performed by two distinct methods, namely reduction by NaBH4 and reduction in ethanol. This study showed that the reduction of Pd NPs in ethanol solution resulted in larger NPs with better dispersity between the layers of the catalyst. In comparison, the reduction of Pd NPs with the NaBH4 resulted in smaller NPs, positioning into the pores of the IRMOF-3 structure, which reduced the leaching of the catalyst. IRMOF-3-SI-Pd NPs was characterized with FT-IT, XRD, SEM, and TEM techniques. The results showed that the Schiff-base functionality of MOF helped stabilization of the Pd entities, and the catalyst successfully synthesized and preserved its structure during the synthesis and application steps. The synthesized IRMOF-3-SI-Pd NPs was used as a catalyst for the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction, which exhibited promising results.