SnO2-isolated Pt3Sn alloy on reduced graphene oxide: an efficient catalyst for selective hydrogenation of CO in unsaturated aldehydes

Abstract

In this communication, a pyramid shaped alloy-metal oxide–graphene hybrid was synthesized by a facile procedure, in which SnO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) (4.8–5.8 nm) were first coated onto the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and then very fine Pt₃Sn NPs (0.6–1.2 nm) were fabricated on the SnO₂ NPs on rGO sheets under microwave irradiation in a few minutes. Characterizations disclosed that the SnO₂ NPs on rGO were more favorable for the dispersion of Pt, and Pt₃Sn formed mainly on the surface of SnO₂ NPs. This pyramid shaped Pt₃Sn/SnO₂/rGO hybrid was highly active, selective and stable for the hydrogenation of the CO bond in unsaturated aldehydes to unsaturated alcohols under mild conditions.