In-situ synthesis of platinum nanoclusters in polyelectrolyte multilayer films

Abstract

A simple approach is presented for in-situ synthesis of Pt nanoclusters in a polymeric thin film. Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films assembled from poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and poly(sodium styrenesulfonate) were used as supports and templates, into which precursor ions were introduced via counterion exchange, which were then reduced in situ to yield Pt nanoclusters embedded in the PEM films. The ion-exchange and reduction processes were monitored by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, and the morphology of the nanoclusters was observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, showing the Pt nanoclusters were uniformly dispersed in PEMs and had a narrow size distribution. The effects of salt concentration, reduction time and temperature on the size of the nanoclusters were investigated. The method provides a facile and convenient approach to the synthesis of metal nanoclusters in polymer thin films for application in various fields.