Effect of Chitosan Modification and Support Type on the Catalytic Properties of Supported Palladium Catalysts in Hydrogenation of 2-Propen-1-ol

This study focuses on the investigation of the influence of chitosan (CS) and the nature of the support on performance of the hybrid catalysts (Pd-CS/support) in low-temperature hydrogenation of allyl alcohol (2-propen-1-ol). CS-containing palladium catalysts were prepared via sequential deposition of the polysaccharide and palladium onto metal oxide supports (commercial MgO, SiO2, TiO2 and synthesized alumina). The synthesized CS-modified palladium catalysts were compared with their polymer-free counterparts. The successful formation of catalysts was confirmed using TGA, XPS, HAADF-STEM, and viscosimetric analysis. The results of low-temperature hydrogenation of 2-propen-1-ol indicate that catalytic activity and selectivity are influenced by both the support nature and chitosan modification. Overall, the introduction of chitosan had a positive effect on both the structural (Pd nanoparticle dispersion and convergence of the electronic properties of the catalysts) and catalytic (activity and selectivity) properties. The obtained results may contribute to controlling reaction pathways in the desired direction in the selective valorization of platform molecules.