Abstract:

Simultaneous photoreduction of Pt(IV) ions and photooxidative polymerization of phenol on the surface of titanium(IV) oxide (TiO₂) under ultraviolet light irradiation induced the formation of a composite, Pt-loaded TiO₂ covered with a layer of phenolic polymer. Subsequent carbonization of the polymer layer and removal of TiO₂ core particles yielded hollow carbon incorporated with platinum nanoparticles (nPt@hC). By varying the photoirradiation time, appreciable changes in density and porosity of the polymer layer and the carbon shell in nPt@hC were observed: prolonged irradiation induced a densification of the carbon matrix, resulting in a decrease in pore volume. Mainly due to the modulation of active surface of Pt nanoparticles, the densification of carbon was found to influence catalytic activity for hydrogenation of normal olefins.