Encapsulating platinum nanoparticles into multi-hollow silicalite-1 zeolite for catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds

Platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) embedded in the multi-hollow silicalite-1 zeolite (Pt@MH-S-1) were prepared by the sequential alkali etching and recrystallization of parent microporous silicalite-1 zeolite. Then, toluene and acetone were employed as probe molecules to determine the catalytic behavior of Pt@MH-S-1 for the elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The results reveal that Pt@MH-S-1 with multi-hollow structure owns large external specific surface area for dispersing the Pt NPs, and abundant mesoporous channels for improving the accessibility of toluene to Pt NPs as well as high reactive oxygen content, excellent toluene adsorption capacity and moderate adsorption strength. Owing to these characteristics, Pt@MH-S-1 exhibits superior performance both in toluene and acetone catalytic oxidations as reflected by 100% conversion acquired at even a low temperature of 137 and 180 degrees C, respectively. Moreover, Pt@MH-S-1 also shows good stability toward the various conditions, signifying its superiority and potential in practical application for VOCs treatment.