In situ generation of highly dispersed metal nanoparticles on two-dimensional layered SiO_2 by topotactic structure conversion and their superior catalytic activity

摘要

Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•The topotactic structure conversion of layered silicate RUB-15, was utilized to immobilize highly dispersed metal nanoparticles (Ag, Fe and Cu) on silica lamellas.•The obtained Ag/SiO2composite showed superior catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with a rate constant of 0.0607s−1.•The high catalytic activity and recycling performance of Ag/SiO2proved that Ag NPs was very stable and the confinement of the half cages in RUB-15 benefited to the sinstering resistance of Ag NPs.AbstractMetal nanoparticles such as Ag, Cu and Fe are effective catalysts for many reactions, whereas a facile method to prepare metal nanoparticles with high uniformed dispersion is still desirable. Herein, the topotactic structure conversion of layered silicate, RUB-15, was utilized to support metal nanoparticles. Through simple ion-exchange and following calcination step, metal nanoparticles were generated in situ inside the interlayer space of layered silica, and the topotactic structure conversion process assured nano-sized and highly uniformed dispersion of metal nanoparticles. The obtained Ag/SiO2composite showed superior catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and methylene blue (MB), with a rate constant as high as 0.0607 s-1and 0.0778 s-1. The simple and universal synthesis method as well as high activity of the product composite endow the strategy good application prospect.