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Volcano-type catalytic activity driven by graphitization-dependent electron transfer in Pt@C core-shell catalysts
1State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Chemistry Synthesis Technology, Industrial Catalysis Institute of Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China.
Frontiers in Chemistry
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Platinum-core carbon-shell catalysts offer high stability for selective hydrogenation. An interfacial electron transfer mechanism enhances catalytic activity by enriching the carbon surface, balancing electronic and geometric effects for optimal performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Carbon-encapsulated metal catalysts exhibit high stability.
- The catalytic activation mechanism of inert carbon shells needs further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the catalytic activation mechanism of platinum-core carbon-shell catalysts.
- To understand the role of the carbon shell's graphitization degree on catalytic performance.
- To elucidate the structure-activity relationship for selective hydrogenation.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of platinum-core carbon-shell catalysts on activated carbon supports.
- Tuning the graphitization degree of the carbon layer via pyrolysis temperature control.
- Testing catalyst performance in the selective hydrogenation of p-chloronitrobenzene.
- Utilizing experimental and theoretical analyses to study interfacial electron transfer.
Main Results:
- All catalysts achieved >99% selectivity for the target product.
- Catalytic activity showed a volcano trend, with optimal performance at 800 °C pyrolysis temperature.
- An interfacial electron transfer process was identified, where the metal core acts as an electron pump.
- The core-shell structure prevented metal sintering, maintaining stability over 10 cycles.
Conclusions:
- The optimal catalyst activity results from a balance between electronic and geometric effects.
- An electron-rich carbon surface, facilitated by interfacial electron transfer, lowers the hydrogen dissociation barrier.
- Preserved carbon defects act as crucial adsorption sites.
- The study provides insights for designing highly active carbon-functionalized interfaces.
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