Ag+-Induced Assembly of Pt Clusters for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Cluster-assembled nanowires provide a unique strategy for the preparation of high-performance nanostructures. However, existing preparations are limited by complex processes and harsh reaction conditions. Here, Ag⁺ ions were utilized as a novel structure-directing agent to generate the self-assembly of Pt clusters to form ultrafine nanowires with a diameter of less than 5 nm. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) characterizations demonstrated that every Ag⁺ bridged two [Pt₃(CO)₃(μ₂-CO)₃]_n^2- clusters through coordination and formed a sandwich-like structure of [Pt₃(CO)₃(μ₂-CO)₃]_nAg[Pt₃(CO)₃(μ₂-CO)₃]_m^3-. As a result, multiple sandwich-like structures of [Pt₃(CO)₃(μ₂-CO)₃]_nAg[Pt₃(CO)₃(μ₂-CO)₃]_m^3- were established by Ag⁺ to form Pt nanowire superstructures {[Pt₃(CO)₆]_nAg[Pt₃(CO)₆]_mAg[Pt₃(CO)₆]_x}∞ (abbreviated as Ag-Pt NWS). Our results demonstrate that the Pt nanowire superstructures showed promising cocatalytic performance for photocatalytic H₂ production with the involvement of Ag⁺, which promises a desirable way to develop advanced functional nanomaterials.