Tiny particles that capture palladium and put it to work

What is it about?

We made tiny plastic particles bearing theophylline-based groups that bind palladium ions. In solutions containing other metals, the particles preferentially captured palladium over copper and platinum. The captured palladium could then be used on the particles as a catalyst to join two carbon-containing molecules in water. The same material therefore served both to collect palladium and to support it for a chemical reaction.

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Why is it important?

Palladium is a valuable metal used in many chemical reactions. A material that selectively captures it and then holds it in a useful form could help make better use of this resource. This study demonstrates both functions in one set of particles: selective palladium uptake from mixed-metal solutions and catalytic activity after palladium has been captured.