Multi-functional palladium-ruthenium nanocomposites: an approach towards semi-hydrogenation catalysis and hydrogen sorption.

Development of heterogeneous metal catalysts with superior activity and high selectivity towards the semi-hydrogenation of alkynes is of significant industrial importance. Bimetallic Pd-Ru nanocomposites were synthesized over the entire composition range using a capping-agent assisted solution-based approach. The as-prepared nanocomposites demonstrated excellent catalytic activity towards the hydrogenation of a wide range of olefinic substrates and exceptional selectivity towards styrene in a phenylacetylene semi-hydrogenation reaction under mild conditions.