Polymer-incarcerated metal(0) nanocluster catalysts were developed based on two techniques: microencapsulation and cross-linking. Pd, Au, Pt, and bimetallic nanoclusters could be efficiently immobilized on polymers containing benzene rings keeping subnanometer- to nanometer-size clusters. Catalysts could be used for redox reactions using molecular hydrogen and oxygen, and could be reused without aggregation of nanoclusters and leaching of metals. Modification of polymers and addition of second inorganic supports sometimes increased their reactivity.
© 2010 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.