Platinum–polymer–clay nanocomposite hydrogels via exfoliated clay-mediated in situ reduction

Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) are currently used in many areas of nanoscience and technology. Numerous studies have been reported on the design of Pt and Pt-based nanomaterials with different sizes, shapes, and compositions. Here, we report the synthesis, structure, and properties of a novel hydrogel-based nanostructured Pt material, Pt-NC gel, consisting of ultrafine Pt NPs strongly immobilized within a unique polymer−clay network. Pt-NC gels were synthesized through exfoliated clay-mediated in situ reduction of Pt ions in the NC gel at ambient temperature. Pt NPs were trapped on the clay surface, probably at the edges of the clay nanoplatelets. Ultrafine Pt NPs were also obtained as a stable suspension from the NC gel, without any stabilizing agents. The combination of ultrafine Pt NPs and mechanically tough NC gel may open up new possibilities for designing functional Pt-gel materials.