The functionalization and supporting of polyamines and their mediation effects on noble metal nanoclusters for catalysis applications

For catalysis application, the particle size, support nature and supporting process are topics of recent research activities. At present, the fabrication of highly active, uniform, ligand adjustable and facilely reusable noble metal nanoclusters catalysts still remain a major challenge in academia.

In particular, uniform and supported noble metal nanoclusters mediated by weak ligands have rarely been reported. Uniform nanoclusters are mainly available when mediated with strong ligands or well-defined templates, while their catalytic spectrum, activity, availability and direct supporting are all severely limited. In this research, a class of uniform, supported and highly active gold NCs (Au NCs) or platinum NCs (Pt NCs) were successfully mediated by aid of the synergy of co-ligands and molecular patches.