Pt Nanocatalysts Modified with Carbon Dots as Nonmetallic Promoters for Enhanced Selective Hydrogenation Performance

Constructing nonmetal promoter-decorated Pt-based catalysts is a promising strategy for enhancing selective hydrogenation performance. In this study, a set of carbon dots (CDs)-modified Pt/SBA-15 nanocatalysts were synthesized using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and impregnation techniques. The catalysts were characterized using various techniques, including TEM, ICP-MS, N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms, XRD, XPS, H₂−TPD, H–D exchange, CO-DRIFTS, and so forth. The catalytic performance of the CDs-Pt/SBA-15 catalysts was evaluated by the selective hydrogenation reaction of cinnamaldehyde (CAL) to cinnamyl alcohol (COL). The results indicate that there is electron transfer between the CDs and Pt, and the addition of CDs can improve the hydrogen spillover effect, both of which significantly influence the selective catalytic hydrogenation performance of the CDs-Pt/SBA-15 catalysts. Among the tested catalysts, 0.44CDs-Pt/SBA-15 demonstrated the highest catalytic performance, with conversion and selectivity 2.8 times and 2.2 times higher, respectively, than Pt/SBA-15. This study provides a new perspective on designing and preparing highly efficient nonmetallic promoter-modified Pt-based nanocatalysts and has significant implications for their application in catalytic reactions.