Investigation of hydrogen speciation during selective acetylene hydrogenation over interstitial Pd carbide catalysts

Supported Pd nanoparticles (NPs) are used widely for their ability to act as highly active hydrogenation and oxidation catalysts. The evolving nature of Pd NPs during these processes is becoming ever more apparent; interstitial hydride, carbide, and (most recently) nitride phases have all been documented during catalysis. These interstitial structures form readily during catalytic transformations and play a crucial role in determining both activity and selectivity. Here we want to probe the interaction between hydrogen and the Pd carbide in order to further our understanding of their ability to promote selective hydrogenation reactions, with the aim of using pre-prepared PdCx catalysts for use in reactions where they would not form in situ.