Polymerized Micelle-Protected Platinum Clusters. Preparation and Application to Catalyst for Visible Light-Induced Hydrogen Generation

Platinum clusters protected by polymerized micelles were prepared by radical polymerization of unsaturated surfactants which were involved in micelle-protected platinum clusters. The micelle-protected platinum clusters were successfully prepared by photoreduction of hexachloroplatinic acid in water in the presence of unsaturated surfactants. The platinum clusters thus obtained were characterized by electron microscopy and IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopies. The average diameter of the platinum particles was about 1 nm by electron microscopy, and the polymerization was confirmed by IR and 1H-NMR spectra. The platinum clusters thus obtained proved to be highly active catalysts for visible light-induced hydrogen generation in the system of EDTA/Ru(bpy)3 2+/MV2+. The polymerized micelle-protected platinum clusters showed higher catalytic activity than the linear polymer-protected one. The catalytic activity was affected by the electric charge of the surfactants in the polymerized micelle-protected platinum clusters. Nonionic polymers were superior to those having anionic and cationic hydrophilic groups from the viewpoint of catalytic activity. The nonionic polymerized micelle forms rigid hydrophobic cores which help charge separation and the formation of a sequential potential field.