Physicochemical and catalytic properties of polysiloxane network–Pt systems

Different polysiloxane networks obtained via a cross-linking process have served as matrices for the incorporation of metallic Pt particles by chemical reduction of metal ions from PtCl4 in THF solution in the presence of active Si–H groups remaining in the networks. Polysiloxane networks have been prepared by hydrosilylation of D4/V4 polysiloxane with branched (Q(MH)4) or cyclic (DH4) hydrosiloxanes, at different molar ratios of reagents. The influence of various topologies of matrices on the amount of introduced metal particles and their distribution in the matrix was investigated. Network–Pt systems, thus formed, have been characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, swelling measurements, X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM microscopy combined with EDX microanalysis, and thermogravimetric studies. The reduction of platinum ions was monitored using UV-vis spectroscopy. The consumption of Si–H groups, accompanying the reduction, was investigated by IR measurements. Depending on the applied matrix, different amounts of platinum were introduced. XRD studies have confirmed the incorporation of Pt(0) into all obtained systems. It was established that the systems contained metal nanoparticles (size 3–6 nm). Microscopic investigations have shown that the size and the arrangement of Pt crystallites formed depend on the type of matrix applied. Catalytic performance of examined systems investigated using isopropyl alcohol conversion as the test reaction indicated mainly redox type activity. It was found that Pt dispersed in Q–P type supports, i.e. the polysiloxane networks obtained using the branched hydrosiloxane as the cross-linking agent, showed higher catalytic activity than Pt dispersed in C–P type matrices – the networks obtained with the application of the cyclic hydrosiloxane. The comparison of the behavior of synthesized samples with standard Pt/alumina catalyst in isopropyl alcohol conversion revealed higher redox activity of polysiloxane-supported systems in the lower temperature range.