The functionalization and supporting of polyamines and their mediation effects on noble metal nanoclusters for catalysis applications

Abstract

Noble metal nanoclusters (NCs, 0.1-2.3 nm) have received significant attention due to their unique physiochemical properties and potential application in a variety of areas. For catalysis application, the particle size, support nature and supporting process are topics of recent research activities. At present, the fabrication of highly active, uniform, ligand adjustable and facilely reusable noble metal nanoclusters catalysts still remain a major challenge in academia. In particular, uniform and supported noble metal nanoclusters mediated by weak ligands have rarely been reported. Uniform nanoclusters are mainly available when mediated with strong ligands or well-defined templates, while their catalytic spectrum, activity, availability and direct supporting are all severely limited. In this research, a class of uniform, supported and highly active gold NCs (Au NCs) or platinum NCs (Pt NCs) were successfully mediated by aid of the synergy of co-ligands and molecular patches. This research provides straightforward routes to the preparation of cost-effective and facilely reusable NCs catalysts with excellent activity and durability. More importantly, this project addressed the lack of studies on co-ligands protected NCs and the effects of co-ligands on the formation mechanism and the catalytic property of NCs. Moreover, the catalytic properties of NCs in the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol have been thoroughly investigated, offering great opportunities for their potential applications in water treatment or other areas.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2026.

Date of Award	Dec 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Queen's University & China Scholarship Council
Supervisor	Biqiong Chen (Supervisor)