Platinum Atoms Dispersed in Single-chain Polymer Nanoparticles

The intramolecular cross-linking of single polymer chains can form single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs), which have many applications. In this study, styrenic copolymers with pendent triphenylphosphine as the coordination site for platinum ions (Pt(II)) and benzocyclobutene as the latent reactive groups are synthesized. Triphenylphosphine groups in the chains can coordinate Pt(II) and aid slight single-chain folding in dilute solution. The intramolecular cross-linking caused by the ring-open reaction of benzocyclobutene completes the single-chain collapse and forms stable SCNPs in dilute solution. Pt(II) embedded in SCNPs can be further reduced to platinum atoms (Pt(0)). Pt(0) steadily and atomically dispersed in SCNPs exhibits better catalytic properties than normal polymer carried platinum particles do for the reduction of p-nitrophenol top-aminophenol.