Abstract: Pt0-nanoparticles in the size range of 0 to 10 nm were prepared in-situ by impregnation of H2PtCl6.6H2O into the nanopores of modified montmorillonite followed by reduction with different reducing agents like ethylene glycol, sodium citrate, hydrogen, hydrazine and sodium borohydrate. The montmorillonite was modified by activation with mineral acids under controlled condition for generating desired nanopores. XRD pattern of Pt0-nanoparticles revealed the formation of face centered cubic (fcc) lattice. These supported Pt0-nanoparticles show efficient catalytic activity for the selective reduction of chloronitrobenzenes. As a typical example, at a H2 pressure of 10 bars, temperature 45° C. for a period of 15 min, the Pt0-nanoparticles (prepared by reduction with hydrazine) exhibit conversion of o-chloronitrobenzene up to 100% and selectivity >99% to o-chloroanilines with very negligible amount of C—Cl bond cleavage.

Abstract: Pt0-nanoparticles in the size range of 0 to 10 nm were prepared in-situ by impregnation of H2PtCl66H2O into the nanopores of modified montmorillonite followed by reduction with different reducing agents like ethylene glycol, sodium citrate, hydrogen, hydrazine and sodium borohydrate. The montmorillonite was modified by activation with mineral acids under controlled condition for generating desired nanopores. XRD pattern of Pt0-nanoparticles revealed the formation of face centered cubic (fcc) lattice. These supported Pt0-nanoparticles show efficient catalytic activity for the selective reduction of chloronitrobenzenes. As a typical example, at a H2 pressure of 10 bars, temperature 45° C. for a period of 15 min, the Pt0-nanoparticles (prepared by reduction with hydrazine) exhibit conversion of o-chloronitrobenzene up to 100% and selectivity >99% to o-chloroanilines with very negligible amount of C—Cl bond cleavage.