In situ one-step synthesis of metal-organic framework encapsulated naked Pt nanoparticles without additional reductants

The encapsulation of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) into metal-organic frameworks has generated recent research because of the promising novel physical and chemical properties originating from synergetic interactions between MNPs and MOFs. However, the development of a facile one-step approach for the incorporation of tiny MNPs within MOFs without additional stabilizing agents and reductants remains a great challenge. Herein, we report a new and general synthesis strategy for MNPs@MOFs that allows preferential self-assembly of MOFs around the in situ formed MNP surface by directly mixing both the reactive metal (e. g., H2PtCl6) and MOF precursors in DMF. This in situ one-step assembly approach is applicable to various MOFs, affording well-defined Pt@MOF composites with highly dispersed naked Pt NPs in narrow diameter distribution. The resulting Pt@MOF nanocomposites exhibit excellent stability, significantly enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity as compared to the commercial Pt/C in liquid-phase aerobic oxidation of alcohols.