One-dimensional array of nanoparticles using segmented polyurethane nanofibers as a template for enhanced catalytic efficiency

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles are used to catalyze chemical reactions. Among them, noble metal nanoparticle catalysts need to be used in small quantities. Some reports reveal catalytic activity is further improved by controlling nanoparticle arrangement and distribution. Much research has been directed toward the formation of one-dimensional arrays by compositing metal nanoparticles with template materials. However, previously reported methods form arrays that lack linearity or suitable interparticle distances, which is ascribable to array crossover and particle aggregation, in addition their fabrication procedures are expensive and not suitable for large-scale practical use. Here we show that one-dimensional arrays of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) were formed by using electrospun polyurethane nanofibers as a template. PtNPs adsorbed on each polyurethane nanofiber form a one-dimensional array over longer distances. The catalytic H2O2 decomposition performance of the prepared one-dimensional PtNP arrays was 45.6% decomposition in 15 min, which revealed a decomposition rate more than twice that obtained using the same number of PtNPs randomly distributed on the template or dispersed in a liquid. Although this method is a very simple method for one-dimensional arrangement of metal nanoparticles, thereby improving catalytic efficiency per metal nanoparticle, which help to reduce the amount of metal nanoparticles used during catalysis and contributes the cost of catalysis products cost.