Catalytically active Pt nanoparticles immobilized inside the pores of metal organic framework using supercritical CO2 solutions

• Pt nanoparticles were successfully immobilized inside the pores of MIL-101(Cr).
• Pt nanoparticles dispersed in the interior cavities of MIL-101(Cr).
• ScCO2 enhanced the loading of precursor of Pt nanoparticles inside the pores of MIL-101(Cr).

Pt nanoparticles were successfully immobilized inside the pores of a metal organic framework (MOF) like MIL-101(Cr) using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2), without Pt nanoparticles aggregating on the external surfaces of framework. After its preparation in a particular solvent, the internal surface area of MIL-101(Cr) increased slightly due to the scCO2 drying method. The precursor H2PtCl6 could also be impregnated into the MOF pores using a scCO2–ethanol solution. These synthesized samples were reduced by treating in a stream of H2 at 473 K. During the reduction, the formed Pt nanoparticles get dispersed within the MIL-101(Cr). TEM images clearly demonstrate the uniform three-dimensional distribution of Pt nanoparticles in the interior cavities of MIL-101(Cr). The resulting Pt@MIL-101(Cr) composites represent the highly active MOF-immobilized metal nanocrystals for catalytic ammonia borane hydrolysis.

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