Synthesis of Pt–Sn core–shell nanoparticles deposited on SBA-15 modified

A novel one-step synthesis method to prepare Pt–Sn bimetallic nanoparticles supported on mesoporous silica with high surface area (SBA-15, 700 m²/g) and narrow pore size distribution (around 9.5 nm) was developed. Tin incorporation plays an important dual role, to create active sites into the silica walls that serve as particles anchors center, and to grow Pt–Sn core–shell nanoparticles. High-resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction pattern confirm the formation of the Pt–Sn core–shell type nanoparticles (≈1–10 nm). The metal loading was 2.2 and 2.3 wt% for Pt and Sn, respectively. Electron microscopy results show that the metal nanoparticles were deposited not only on the matrix, but also inside of it. Structural, textural, and morphological features of the SBA-15 were slightly affected after the nanoparticles deposition, maintaining its high surface area. The results obtained suggest that Pt–Sn on SBA-15 could be attractive material for several catalytic applications, due to the narrow particle size distribution achieved (from 1 to 10 nm) the high dispersion on the support, as well as the Pt–Sn alloy developed.