Noble metal nanoparticles supported on MOF nanorods and their catalytic applications

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs)/metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) composites have become a research hotspot because the cooperation between MNPs and MOF can effectively improve the catalytic performance. However, development of a simple method to disperse the tiny MNPs on MOF is still a great challenge. In this work, a AuPdPt/Cu-MOF composite was prepared successfully by a one-step reduction process. First, Cu-MOF with one-dimensional nanorod structure was prepared by using surfactant PVP to control morphological growth. Second, the AuPdPt/Cu-MOF composite was synthesized by reducing the metal precursor to AuPdPt nanoparticles (NPs) supported on the surface of Cu-MOF. Encouragingly, synergistic effect between Au, Pd, and Pt, along with high dispersion of AuPdPt NPs on Cu-MOF nanorods, leading to excellent catalytic activities toward the benzyl alcohol with a conversion rate of 66%. Thus, this simple strategy to design promising MNPs/MOF composite can provide various opportunities in the field of catalysis.