Platinum nanoparticles on silica obtained under mild conditions using cis-PtCl2(CO)(2) as precursor

Physi-/chemisorption of cis-PtCl2(CO)(2) on partially dehydroxylated amorph ous silica followed by exposure to water vapor at room temperature or at 21 0 degrees C produces platinum nanoparticles, through a reductive process in volving both coordinated carbon monoxide and water. Incomplete removal of h ydrogen bonded water from the silica surface increases the implantation yie ld. XPS and TEM measurements are reported. The silica-supported platinum is catalytically active towards the hydrogenation of cyclohexene.