Catalytic carpets: Pt@MIL-101@electrospun PCL, a surprisingly active and robust hydrogenation catalyst

Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have been explored widely to create heterogeneity in a catalytic system. Catalytic applications require the use of stable catalysts with no leaching and easy recovery. In this regard, Pt@MIL-101 is embedded in a poly-c-caprolactone (PCL) matrix by means of electrospinning to create a catalytic carpet which is highly efficient and can be recovered within seconds after catalysis. The obtained composite material is completely intact with a homogeneous distribution of the Pt@MIL-101 throughout the electrospun PCL fiber matrix. The catalytic carpet was examined in the hydrogenation of cyclohexene and full conversion was obtained in just 90 min. Remarkably, a very large fraction (>65%) of the total Pt-atoms participate in the reaction. Reusability tests showed that the material could be recycled for at least 4 runs without detectable Cr and Pt leaching displaying the durability of the catalytic carpets. Complete recovery is achieved with zero weight loss while fully preserving the crystalline structure. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.