A series of Pd and Pt nanoparticles (NPs) was prepared starting from the corresponding metal ions and lignosulphonates; NPs were tested as catalysts for allyl alcohols hydrogenation in water at room temperature and pressure. All NPs were active with sharp differences in conversions and selectivites: Pt NPs formed mainly saturated alcohols, whereas Pd NPS were more active, but less selective, forming, in addition to saturated alcohols, also isomeric unsaturated alcohols and aldehydes, both saturated and unsaturated..
Results and DiscussionWe prepared a series of twelve NPs using two metals (Pt and Pd) and six water-soluble lignins: Kraft lignin (KrLig), ammonium lignosulphonate (AmLig), calcium (CaLig) and sodium (NaLig) lignosulphonates and the corresponding lowsugar ones (CaROLig and NaROLig); lignins, in water solution and at 80 °C, acted as both reducing agents for the metal ions, i.e. H 2 PtCl 6 and PdCl 2 , and as stabilizing agents for the formed