Palladium nanoparticle catalyst prepared in poly(acrylic acid)-lined channels of diblock copolymer microspheres

Block copolymers self-assemble in bulk, forming a number of intricate block segregation patterns. Such assembled structures can serve as precursors to nano- or microstructures with numerous potential applications. For many applications, such as catalysis, a high surface area to volume ratio is desirable, which requires "breaking up" copolymer solid into dispersed particles. Reported in this letter is the preparation of water-dispersible block copolymer microspheres containing Pd nanoparticles. The Pd nanoparticles are a more efficient catalyst for alkene hydrogenation than is the commercial Pd black catalyst.