Self-supported Ag(0) nanocatalyst derived from Ag(I)-based coordination polymer

A self-supported microsphere heterogeneous catalyst has been developed from a synthesized Ag(I)-imidazole coordination polymer (compound 1), which was subsequently transformed into an Ag(0)-laden coordination polymer (compound 2) through mild reduction with ascorbic acid. It is proposed that during the reduction process, a measurable fraction of silver ions (Ag(I)) undergo in-situ conversion into silver atoms (Ag(0)), forming uniformly distributed Ag(0) nano-clusters within the structural motif of 2. Additionally, some Ag(0) atoms are suggested to retain the coordination environment of their precursor Ag(I) ions within the framework of 2. The Ag(0)-laden microspheres in catalyst 2 exhibited exceptional zero-energy auto-catalytic decomposition of H₂O₂ at room temperature under the working conditions. This approach offers a straightforward synthesis route for a self-supported Ag catalyst with significantly enhanced atomic efficiency, catalyst accessibility, and durability, eliminating the need for conventional supports such as silica or alumina.