In our lab, we  have  synthesized  and  characterized ~3nm diameter  Pd  and PdAg MPCs  coated  with various  organic stabilizing ligands, including alkylamines (CnNH₂, n = 8, 12, 16-18), hexanethiolates (C6S), and  mixed monolayers of C8NH₂/C6S ligands.  These nanoparticles exhibit significantly different reactivities with  hydrogen  gas  and  different  stabilities  against H₂-induced  aggregation  depending  on  the  ligand and metal composition of the MPCs, making them great candidates for H₂ sensing and storage applications.  We have also explored the catalytic activity of the synthesized Pd and Pd alloy MPCs using α,β-unsaturated primary and secondary alcohols as substrates.  This work is interesting because provides a better fundamental understanding of the factors controlling the catalytic selectivity and efficiency of Pd-based MPCs.

TEM images of drop-cast films of C6S Pd MPCs and C8NH₂ Pd MPCs before (A, B) and after exposure to 100% H₂ for 60 minutes (C, D).