Synthesis and Catalytic Performance Evaluation of Metal Nanoparticles in Industrial Chemical Reactions

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles have emerged as highly efficient catalysts in a wide range of industrial
chemical reactions due to their large surface-area to-volume ratio, tunable electronic structures and ability to facilitate rapid reaction kinetics. This study investigates the synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance of selected metal nanoparticles, including gold, silver, palladium and platinum, synthesized through chemical reduction, green synthesis and thermal decomposition methods. Precise control over nanoparticle morphology, size distribution and surface functionalization was achieved through optimization of synthesis conditions and stabilizing agents. The nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and surface area analysis to establish their structural and physicochemical properties. Catalytic performance was evaluated in representative industrial reactions such as hydrogenation, oxidation, carbon–carbon coupling and pollutant degradation. Experimental results indicate that smaller nanoparticles with well defined morphologies exhibit significantly enhanced catalytic efficiency, higher turnover frequencies and improved stability compared to conventional catalysts. Palladium nanoparticles demonstrated exceptional activity in cross-coupling reactions, while gold nanoparticles exhibited superior catalytic oxidation behavior. This study concludes that metal nanoparticles, when synthesized with controlled morphology and stabilized against agglomeration, can significantly improve reaction yields, reduce energy requirements and enhance the overall sustainability of industrial catalytic processes.