Bi/trinuclear Pt_1,2Cu cluster assembly from isolated metal atoms

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Catalysis

Background:

• Precise synthesis of multi-metal atomic clusters is challenging.
• Controlling the number and composition of metal atoms is crucial for catalytic activity.
• Liquid-phase synthesis offers potential for scalable production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile liquid-phase strategy for synthesizing uniform heterometallic bi/tri-atom clusters.
• To precisely control the formation of platinum-copper (Pt-Cu) clusters.
• To investigate the chemical states of metal atoms within the synthesized clusters.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a protective layer (PDMS-PEG) for controlled reactions.
• Employing ethanol as a reducing agent for copper chloride (CuCl2).
• Synthesizing Pt1,2Cu bi/tri-atoms by reducing CuCl2 at preformed Pt1 atoms.

Main Results:

• Achieved facile synthesis of uniform heterometallic Pt-Cu bi/tri-atom clusters.
• Demonstrated precise control over cluster composition (Pt1,2Cu).
• Confirmed that metal atoms within the Pt-Cu clusters are in reduced chemical states.

Conclusions:

• The reported method offers a straightforward approach for producing uniform Pt-Cu atomic clusters.
• The synthesized clusters exhibit reduced chemical states, suggesting potential for catalytic applications.
• This liquid-phase strategy is promising for scalable and controlled synthesis of multi-metal atomic clusters.