Linear polystyrene-stabilized Pt nanoparticles for aerobic alcohol oxidation and hydrogen-transfer reduction in aqueous media

► Linear polystyrene is proven to be a useful stabilizer for Pt nanoparticles. ► The catalyst has high catalytic activity for aerobic alcohol oxidation in water. ► The catalyst shows high catalytic activity for transfer hydrogenation. ► The catalyst is recycled without significant loss of activity.