Sonochemical deposition of platinum nanoparticles on polymer beads and their transfer on the pore surface of a silica matrix

This study reported the sonochemical deposition of platinum on the surface of polystyrene beads (PSBs) and the transfer of obtained Pt nanoparticles into a porous silica matrix using the PSB as a sacrificial template. Platinum nanoparticle deposition was ensured by the sonochemical reduction of Pt(IV) at room temperature in latex solutions containing polystyrene beads in the presence of formic acid under Ar or under Ar/CO atmosphere without any additives. After ultrasonic treatments for few hours, well dispersed Pt nanoparticles within the range of 3–5 nm deposited on PSB were obtained in both studied conditions. Samples were then mixed with TEOS, dried, and heated at 450 °C to ensure the PSB removal from the silica matrix. TEM and SEM results clearly show that final silica pore size is within the same order of magnitude than initial PSB. Finally, platinum decorated silica matrix with chosen pore sizes was successfully prepared.

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► We reported the sonochemical deposition of platinum on polystyrene beads.
► Pt nanoparticles were then transferred into a porous silica matrix by removing PSB.
► Thermal treatment alters neither the size nor the dispersion of Pt NPs in the matrix.
► Platinum decorated silica matrix with chosen pore sizes was successfully prepared.