Stabilizing Single-Atomic Pt by Forming Pt-Fe Bonds for Efficient Diboration of Alkynes

Precisely tailoring the oxidation state of single-atomic metal in heterogeneous catalysis is an efficient way to stabilize the single-atomic site and promote their activity, but realizing this approach remains a grand challenge to date. Herein, a class of stable single-atomic catalysts with well-tuned oxidation state of Pt by forming Pt-Fe atomic bonds is reported, which are supported by defective Fe₂O₃ nanosheets on reduced graphene oxide (PFARFNs). These as-synthesized materials can greatly enhance the catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity for the diboration of alkynes. The PFARFNs exhibit high conversion of 99% at 100 °C with an outstanding turnover frequency (TOF) of 545 h⁻¹, and a relatively high conversion of 58% at room temperature (25 °C) with a TOF of 310 h⁻¹, which has been hardly achieved previously. Through both experimental and theoretical investigation, it is demonstrated that the fast electron transfer from Fe to Pt in Fe–Pt–O atomic sites in PFARFNs can not only stabilize the single-atomic Pt, but also significantly improve their catalytic activity.