Catalysis under shell: Improved CO oxidation reaction confined in Pt@h-BN core–shell nanoreactors

Abstract

Core–shell nanostructures consisting of active metal cores and protective shells often exhibit enhanced catalytic performance, in which reactants can access a small part of the core surfaces through the pores in the shells. In this study, we show that Pt nanoparticles (NPs) can be embedded into few-layer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) overlayers, forming Pt@h-BN core–shell nanocatalysts. The h-BN shells not only protect the Pt NPs under harsh conditions but also allow gaseous molecules such as CO and O2 to access a large part of the Pt surfaces through a facile intercalation process. As a result, the Pt@h-BN nanostructures act as nanoreactors, and CO oxidation reactions with improved activity, selectivity, and stability occur at the core–shell interfaces. The confinement effect exerted by the h-BN shells promotes the Pt-catalyzed reactions. Our work suggests that two-dimensional shells can function as robust but flexible covers on nanocatalyst surfaces and tune the surface reactivity.