Size-selective yolk-shell nanoreactors with nanometer-thin porous polymer shells.

Yolk-shell nanoreactors with metal nanoparticle core and ultrathin porous polymer shells are effective catalysts for heterogeneous reactions. Polymer shells provide size-selectivity and improved reusability of catalyst. Nanocapsules with single-nanometer porous shells are prepared by vesicle-templated directed assembly. Metal nanoparticles are formed either by selective initiation in pre-fabricated nanocapsules or simultaneously with the creation of a crosslinked polymer shell. In this study, we investigated the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde catalyzed by gold nanoparticles and hydrogenation of cyclohexene catalyzed by platinum nanoparticles. Comparison of newly created nanoreactors with commercially available nanoparticles revealed superior reusability and size selectivity in nanoreactors while showing no negative effect on reaction kinetics.