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Nanotechnology

Atomically Precise Platinum Nanoclusters for Water Decontamination

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Nanjing University of Science and Technology have developed a new method to fabricate atomically precise platinum nanoclusters (Pt NCs) using an interfacial polymerization (IP) strategy. This breakthrough paves the way for continuous water decontamination using these highly effective catalysts. The research team, led by Qiang Zhang, synthesized a dual-functional monomer that comprises a quaternized cyclodextrin (CD) monomer with thiols as stabilizers and hydroxyl groups as crosslinkers. The resulting Pt NCs@CD-DPT catalysts showed superior water-solubility, high reactivity, and excellent catalytic activity, maintaining their performance even after being cross-linked with a catalytic layer. This innovative approach enables the efficient removal of pollutants, such as 4-nitrophenol, from water.

Key Takeaways:

  • Interfacial polymerization (IP) strategy was used to immobilize thiolated cyclodextrin-stabilized Pt NCs onto a nylon membrane for continuous water decontamination.
  • A dual-functional monomer was synthesized, comprising a quaternized cyclodextrin (CD) monomer with 7 thiols as stabilizers and 14 hydroxyl groups as crosslinkers.
  • Pt NCs@CD-DPT catalysts showed superior water-solubility, high reactivity, and excellent catalytic activity, maintaining their performance even after being cross-linked with a catalytic layer.
  • The cross-linked catalytic membrane was able to reduce 4-nitrophenol within 5 minutes, with a batch rate of 0.331 - 1.031 min(-1) and separation performance for humic acid in a cross-flow system.
  • The Pt-immobilized CMRs showed excellent anti-fouling and robustly durable properties, enabling continuous and steady catalytic hydrogenation for 4-NP for up to 30 hours.
  • This research has been peer-reviewed and published in Separation and Purification Technology.

Statistics:

  • 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction rate: 0.331 - 1.031 min(-1)
  • Separation performance for humic acid in a cross-flow system: not specified
  • Duration of continuous and steady catalytic hydrogenation for 4-NP: up to 30 hours
  • Funded by: Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

Sources:

  • Interfacial Polymerization of Cyclodextrin-stabilized Pt Nanoclusters As Catalytic Layer of Membrane for Continuous Water Decontamination. Separation and Purification Technology, 2025;363.
  • Qiang Zhang, Liyuan Fan, Tianheng Wang, Shaobin Wen, Jingyu Zhang. Nanjing University of Science and Technology, School of Environmental and Biology Engineering, Key Lab New Membrane Mat, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Nanjing 210094, People's Republic of China.
  • Elsevier. Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Separation and Purification Technology - www.journals.elsevier.com/separation-and-purification-technology/)

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