Rational Design of Highly Efficient PdIn–In2O3 Interfaces by a Capture-Alloying Strategy for Benzyl Alcohol Partial Oxidation

Well-dispersed PdIn bimetallic alloy nanoparticles (1–4 nm) were immobilized on mesostructured silica by an in situ capture-alloying strategy, and PdIn–In2O3 interfaces were rationally constructed by changing the In2O3 loading and reduction temperature. The catalytic performance for benzyl alcohol partial oxidation was evaluated, and a catalytic synergy was observed. The Pd-rich PdIn–In2O3 interface is prone to be formed on the catalyst with a low In2O3 loading after being reduced at 300 °C. It was demonstrated that the Pd-rich PdIn–In2O3 interface was more active for benzyl alcohol partial oxidation than In-rich Pd2In3 species, which was likely to be formed at a high reduction temperature (400 °C). The high catalytic activity on the Pd-rich PdIn–In2O3 interface was attributed to the exposure of more Pd-enriched active sites, and an optimized PdIn–In2O3/Pd assemble ratio enhanced the oxygen transfer during partial oxidation. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation confirmed that the Pd-rich Pd3In1(111)–In2O3 interface facilitated the activation of oxygen molecules, resulting in high catalytic activity.