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Enriched Localized Electron Confined Ultrafine Pt NPs Sites for Selective Catalytic Hydrogenation in Sulfur‐Containing Feedstocks

Researchers have developed an electronic confinement strategy that embeds ultrafine platinum nanoparticles within multilayer graphene enriched with localized electrons and encapsulated by cobalt particles. The Pt/Co@NC catalyst delivers a reaction rate of 33.1 mol p‑CAN gPt⁻¹ h⁻¹ and a turnover frequency of 6,449 h⁻¹ for the hydrogenation of p‑CNB to p‑CAN at 40 °C and 1 MPa H₂, while maintaining performance over 20 cycles even in feedstocks containing 4 wt% sulfur poisons. Spectroscopic analysis shows Co‑to‑carbon electron transfer and overlapping Co‑3d, C‑2p, and Pt‑5d orbitals create strong Pt‑graphene binding and electron‑rich Pt sites, preventing nanoparticle agglomeration. This approach simultaneously boosts catalytic activity and durability under harsh industrial conditions.