New Pt(0) Nanoparticles as Highly Active and Reusable Catalysts in the C1–C3 Alcohol Oxidation and the Room Temperature Dehydrocoupling of Dimethylamine-Borane (DMAB)

Abstract

New Pt(0) nanoparticles were easily and reproducibly prepared by the simultaneous reduction method using 1-butylamine (BA) and tributylamine (TBA) for the first time as capturing ligands at room temperature. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements verify the formation of well-dispersed Pt(0) nanoparticles [~3.63 and ~3.98 nm for catalysts prepared using BA (catalyst I) and TBA (catalyst II), respectively] on an activated carbon surface. The catalytic performances of these nanoparticles in terms of activity, isolability and reusability were investigated for both alcohol oxidation and the dehydrocoupling of dimethylamine-borane (DMAB). These nanoparticles were shown to be as active and reusable heterogeneous catalysts even at room temperature. The prepared catalysts can catalyze the dehydrogenation of DMAB with one of the highest known activities at room temperature and also C1–C3 alcohol oxidation with very high electrochemical activities.