Pillararene-Peptide Nanogels and Their Biomimetic Mineralization Hybrids for Heterogeneous Catalysis

Biomineralization makes great contributions not only to formations of diversiform biostructures but also to development of extraordinary nanomaterials. Herein, inspired by natural cross-linking and biomineralization processes, a pillararene-peptide nanogel is constructed as a platform for biomimetic mineralization and then used in heterogeneous catalysis. The nanogel, with a spherical morphology and high stability, is developed through a photo-cross-linking reaction facilitated by multiple tyrosine moieties on the pillar[6]arene. The redox-active tyrosine-rich feature endows the nanogel with the capability of immobilizing Pt species via biomimetic mineralization, thus forming a hybrid material with abundant Pt nanoparticles inside. The hybrid is further applied in heterogeneous catalysis for the reduction of nitroaromatic compounds. The recyclability is also demonstrated in that neither the morphology nor the activity of the catalyst changes in at least ten runs. By applying bioinspired methods in pillararene chemistry, this work may be illuminating in designing functional nanomaterials.