Thin film formation of platinum nanoparticles at oil–water interface, using organoplatinum(ii) complexes, suitable for electro-oxidation of methanol

Abstract

A simple and effective strategy is presented to integrate individual platinum nanoparticles (NPs) into macroscopic thin films based on the reduction of organoplatinum(II) complexes [PtCl2(cod)] 1a, [PtI2(cod)] 1b (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) and cis-[Pt(p-MeC6H4)2(SMe2)2] 2, at the toluene-water interface in the absence of stabilizer. Structure and morphology of the platinum NPs were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) techniques. Finally, platinum thin films were deposited on glassy carbon electrode and their electro-oxidation was investigated in the methanol oxidation reaction. Pt NPs thin films showed highly improved electrocatalytical activity toward methanol oxidation as compared with commercial platinum catalysts. The present method provides a facile and low-cost strategy toward the synthesis of different electrocatalysts of noble metals for application in fuel cells.

Oxidative addition of 1,4‐dichloro‐2‐butyne to an organoplatinum complex: A new precursor for synthesis of ultrasmall Pt nanoparticles thin film at liquid/liquid interface as the electrocatalyst in methanol oxidation reaction

“…According to Young's equation (cosθ = (γ PO ‐ γ PW )/γ OW )) three interfacial energies of the oil–water (γ O/W ), the particle‐water (γ P/W ), the particle‐oil (γ P/O ) and contact angle θ can be described. Decrease in total free energy at the contact angle of 90° facilitates the assembly of particles at the interface …”

“…For example, complexes containing amide ligands and olefin complexes can be used as precursors for formation of NPs . Hoseini and co‐workers investigated the effect of organoplatinum (II) complexes such as [PtCl 2 (cod)], [PtI 2 (cod)], cis ‐[Pt( p ‐MeC 6 H 4 ) 2 (SMe 2 ) 2 ] and [PdCl 2 (cod)] on the morphology and size of Pt NPs fabricated at toluene‐water interface. The interfacial assembly of NPs at oil–water interface has received a significant deal of attention as a facile and cost effective route for preparation of thin films .…”

Formation of PdNiZn thin film at oil‐water interface: XPS study and application as Suzuki‐Miyaura catalyst

“…Nanostructures with different morphologies exhibit different atomic arrangements on the surface resulting in distinct electronic and geometric structures which improve the catalytic activity . In this study, we highlight a new developed method for the synthesis of ultrathin trimetallic alloys with promising catalytic activity in Suzuki‐Miyaura reaction as expanded by Rao's group and us …”

Effect of addition of iron on morphology and catalytic activity of PdCu nanoalloy thin film as catalyst in Sonogashira coupling reaction

“…These structures exhibit a wide variety of applications especially in catalysis . Previously, some platinum‐ and palladium‐based nanostructures were synthesized at a liquid–liquid interface from organometallic precursors and their applications were investigated in p ‐nitrophenol reduction reaction, methanol oxidation in fuel cells and Suzuki–Miyaura reactions …”