One-step preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol)-protected Pt nanoparticles through a heat-treatment method

A heat-treatment method for the preparation of well-stable, polymer-protected Pt nanoparticles in the range of 2-7 nm in diameter is demonstrated. The formation of Pt nanoparticles occurs in a single step process, carried out by beating an aqueous solution containing a poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer and H2PtCl6, with the use of PVA to serve as both a reducing reagent and a protective reagent. The Pt nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis absorption spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) and the Pt nanoparticle formation process was further investigated by in situ UV-vis experiment. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.