PO43- Coordinated Robust Single-Atom Platinum Catalyst for Selective Polyol Oxidation

Achieving efficient catalytic conversion over a heterogeneous catalyst with excellent resistance against leaching is still a grand challenge for sustainable chemical synthesis in aqueous solution. Herein, we devised a single-atom Pt-1/hydroxyapatite (HAP) catalyst via a simple hydrothermal strategy. Gratifyingly, this robust Pt-1/HAP catalyst exhibits remarkable catalytic selectivity and catalyst stability for the selective oxidation of C-2-C-4 polyols to corresponding primary hydroxy acids. It is found that the Pt-(O-P) linkages with strong electron-withdrawing function of PO43- (Pt-1-OPO43- pair active site) not only realize the activation of the C-H bond, but also destabilize the transition state from adsorbed hydroxy acids toward the C-C cleavage, resulting in the sharply increased selectivity of hydroxy acids. Moreover, the strong PO43--coordination effect provides electrostatic stabilization for single-atom Pt, ensuring the highly efficient catalysis of Pt-1/HAP for over 160 hours with superior leaching resistance.

Automated summary

Efficient catalytic conversion in aqueous solution with excellent resistance against leaching remains a challenge. The design of a single-atom Pt-1/hydroxyapatite (HAP) catalyst results in remarkable catalytic selectivity and stability for the oxidation of C-2-C-4 polyols to hydroxy acids. The Pt-(O-P) linkages with PO43- serve as active sites for activation of C-H bonds and destabilization of the transition state, increasing the selectivity of hydroxy acids. The strong PO43--coordination effect provides electrostatic stabilization and ensures superior leaching resistance for Pt-1/HAP catalyst.