Surface-Confined Synthesis of Ultrafine Pt-Rare Earth Nanoalloys on N-Functionalized Supports

It is extremely challenging to controllably synthesize rare earth-containing nanoalloys due to the ultralow standard reduction potential of rare earth metals. Here, a surface-confined strategy to prepare ultrafine Pt-rare earth nanoalloys on a series of N-functionalized supports is reported. It proves that by surface N-metal coordination, the metal cations of precursors are atomically dispersed on support, which greatly favors uniform nucleation and growth of particles upon reduction. Moreover, the moderate metal transfer barrier from N ensures particle growth in a confined region to form ultrafine nanoalloys. Using this method, ultrafine Pt-La, Pt-Y, and Pt-Dy nanoalloys are prepared on N-functionalized supports such as carbon, zeolite, and Al2O3. Notably, the Pt-La nanoalloys on N-functionalized zeolite show superior activity and durability for propane oxidation. The strategy is expected to provide guidelines for preparing highly efficient rare earth-containing nanoalloys for catalysis applications.

Automated summary

This study presents a surface-confined strategy for preparing ultrafine Pt-rare earth nanoalloys on N-functionalized supports. By coordinating surface N-metal, the metal cations are atomically dispersed on the support, facilitating uniform nucleation and growth of particles. Moreover, the moderate metal transfer barrier from N ensures confined particle growth, resulting in the formation of ultrafine nanoalloys.