In-Situ Synthesis of -P(sic)N-Doped Carbon Nanofibers for Single-Atom Catalytic Hydrosilylation

Single-atom catalysts have become a popular choice in various catalysis applications, as they take advantages of both homogeneous catalysis (e.g., high efficiency) and heterogeneous catalysis (e.g., easy catalyst recovery). The atom support plays an indispensable role in anchoring atomic species and interplaying with them for ultimate catalytic performance. Therefore, development of new support materials for superior catalysis is of great importance. Here the synthesis of carbon nanofibers based on the reaction between phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is reported. The underlying reaction process is systematically investigated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The carbon nanofibers have interesting -P(sic)N- units in their chemical structure, which act as anchoring sites for the single-atom catalyst. The Pt atoms anchoring carbon nanofibers exhibit high activity for hydrosilylation with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 9.2 x 10(6) h(-1) and a selectivity of >99%. This research affords not only a new in situ chemical strategy to synthesize multiatom doped carbon nanofibers but also presents a potential superior support in catalysis, which opens a hopeful window in materials chemistry and catalysis applications.

Automated summary

Single-atom catalysts, which combine the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, are widely used in various catalysis applications. The development of new support materials is crucial for achieving superior catalytic performance. In this research, carbon nanofibers synthesized from the reaction between P2O5 and NMP are reported. These carbon nanofibers have -P(sic)N- units, which serve as anchoring sites for single-atom catalysts. The Pt atoms anchored on the carbon nanofibers exhibit high activity for hydrosilylation. This research not only provides a new chemical strategy for synthesizing doped carbon nanofibers, but also presents a potential superior support material in catalysis.