Engineering Multi-Site Platinum Ensembles Synergistically Boosts Catalysis.

Area of Science:

• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Designing efficient noble metal catalysts with multiple active sites is crucial but challenging.
• Understanding the atomic-level function of each active site is key for catalyst optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a sub-nanometric platinum ensemble catalyst with diverse active sites.
• To elucidate the atomic-scale roles of different platinum sites in catalytic reactions.
• To enhance formaldehyde oxidation efficiency and durability.

Main Methods:

• Dual-confinement strategy for synthesizing sub-nanometric platinum ensembles.
• In situ characterization techniques to probe catalytic mechanisms.
• Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to determine site-specific functions.

Main Results:

• A highly active and durable platinum catalyst with minimal loading (0.13 wt.%) was achieved.
• Pt top sites were identified as primary centers for O═O bond activation.
• Pt-O-Si interfacial sites were found to govern H─OH and C─H bond activation.
• Synergistic activation of O2 and H2O generated reactive oxygen species, enhancing formaldehyde oxidation.

Conclusions:

• The study provides atomic-level insights into the distinct roles of various platinum sites.
• Precise synthesis of multi-site ensembles enables rational catalyst design.
• This work advances the understanding and development of efficient heterogeneous catalysts.