In situ formation of ultrafine Pt nanoparticles on surfaces of polyaniline nanofibers as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the hydrogenation reduction of nitrobenzene

Ultrafine Pt nanoparticles (similar to 3 nm) supported on surfaces of polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers (PANI/Pt hybrids) have been synthesized through a facile solution route, where Pt nanoparticles are in situ formed on surfaces of reactive PANI nanofibers. The morphology and chemical structures of PANI/Pt hybrids have been confirmed by TEM, XRD, FTIR, Raman, and XPS techniques, and the formation mechanisms have been proved by FTIR and UV-Vis spectra. The excellent catalytic activity, reusability, and high durability of PANI/Pt hybrids as catalysts towards the catalytic hydrogenation reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline have been established, where high yields can be achieved with nitrobenzene bearing a variety of substituents.