Designer 3D CoAl-layered double hydroxide@N, S doped graphene hollow architecture decorated with Pd nanoparticles for Sonogashira couplings

Hierarchical hollow flower-like CoAl–LDH assembled by N and S dual-doped graphene (N,S-G) was fabricated without any template for uniformly distribution of Pd nanoparticles. The resultant CoAl–LDH/N,S-G/Pd exhibited excellent activity in Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions. This hollow structure with large surface area exposes more accessible sites for anchoring metal species. Additionally, the synergistic doping of N and S can not only provide more defect sites by tuning the electronic properties, but also increase the electron density of Pd and enhance the unique interactions between metal particles and support. Moreover, the existence of reductive Co (II) sites within the support can capture and re-produce leached Pd particles, giving the composite long-term stability. [Display omitted] •Mesoporous CoAl-LDH hollow spheres assembled with N and S co-doped graphene decorated with Pd nanoparticles were engineered.•Hierarchical hollow LDHs can provide more accessible surface for Pd anchoring.•This hollow structure exhibits high activity and stability in Sonogashira reaction.•The N, S co-doped graphene can enhance the electron density on Pd that accelerate the oxidative addition step.