Explaining the Size Dependence in Platinum-Nanoparticle-Catalyzed Hydrogenation Reactions

• Hydrogenation reactions are industrially important reactions that typically require unfavorably high H-2 pressure and temperature for many functional groups. Herein we reveal surprisingly strong size-dependent activity of Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) in catalyzing this reaction. Based on unambiguous spectral analyses, the size effect has been rationalized by the size-dependent d-band electron structure of the PtNPs. This understanding enables production of a catalyst with size of 1.2 nm, which shows a sixfold increase in turnover frequency and 28-fold increase in mass activity in the regioselective hydrogenation of quinoline, compared with PtNPs of 5.3 nm, allowing the reaction to proceed under ambient conditions with unprecedentedly high reaction rates. The size effect and the synthesis strategy developed herein may provide a general methodology in the design of metal-nanoparticle-based catalysts for a broad range of organic syntheses.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

d-band electron structure

heterogeneous catalysis

hydrogenation reactions

platinum nanoparticles

size effects

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