γ-Alumina-supported Pt(17) cluster: controlled loading, geometrical structure, and size-specific catalytic activity for carbon monoxide and propylene oxidation

Although Pt is extensively used as a catalyst to purify automotive exhaust gas, it is desirable to reduce Pt consumption through size reduction because Pt is a rare element and an expensive noble metal. In this study, we successfully loaded a Pt(17) cluster on γ-alumina (γ-Al(2)O(3)) (Pt(17)/γ-Al(2)O(3)) using [Pt(17)(CO)(12)(PPh(3))(8)]Cl(n) (n = 1, 2) as a precursor. In addition, we demonstrated that Pt is not present in the form of an oxide in Pt(17)/γ-Al(2)O(3) but instead has a framework structure as a metal cluster. Moreover, we revealed that Pt(17)/γ-Al(2)O(3) exhibits higher catalytic activity for carbon monoxide and propylene oxidation than γ-Al(2)O(3)-supported larger Pt nanoparticles (Pt(NP)/γ-Al(2)O(3)) prepared using the conventional impregnation method. Recently, our group discovered a simple method for synthesizing the precursor [Pt(17)(CO)(12)(PPh(3))(8)]Cl(n). Furthermore, Pt(17) is a Pt cluster within the size range associated with high catalytic activity. By combining our established synthesis and loading methods, other groups can conduct further research on Pt(17)/γ-Al(2)O(3) to explore its catalytic activities in greater depth.