Sulfur stabilizing metal nanoclusters on carbon at high temperatures

Supported metal nanoclusters consisting of several dozen atoms are highly attractive for heterogeneous catalysis with unique catalytic properties. However, the metal nanocluster catalysts face the challenges of thermal sintering and consequent deactivation owing to the loss of metal surface areas particularly in the applications of high-temperature reactions. Here, we report that sulfur-a documented poison reagent for metal catalysts-when doped in a carbon matrix can stabilize similar to 1 nanometer metal nanoclusters (Pt, Ru, Rh, Os, and Ir) at high temperatures up to 700 degrees C. We find that the enhanced adhesion strength between metal nanoclusters and the sulfur-doped carbon support, which arises from the interfacial metal-sulfur bonding, greatly retards both metal atom diffusion and nanocluster migration. In catalyzing propane dehydrogenation at 550 degrees C, the sulfur-doped carbon supported Pt nanocluster catalyst with interfacial electronic effects exhibits higher selectivity to propene as well as more stable durability than sulfur-free carbon supported catalysts.

Automated summary

Sulfur-doped carbon support can stabilize metal nanoclusters at high temperatures, enhancing adhesion strength and retarding metal atom diffusion and nanocluster migration. The sulfur-doped carbon supported Pt nanocluster catalyst exhibits higher selectivity and more stable durability in catalyzing propane dehydrogenation at 550 degrees C compared to sulfur-free carbon supported catalysts.