One-step synthesis of cross-linked and hollow microporous organic–inorganic hybrid nanoreactors for selective redox reactions

Abstract

Hollow microporous nanostructures (HMNs) are powerful platforms for multiple promising applications, including energy storage, drug/gene delivery, nanoreactors/catalysis, adsorption, and separation. Herein, we report a facile one-step method to synthesize highly cross-linked organic–inorganic hybrid poly(cyclotriphosphazene-co-4,4′-sulfonyldiphenol) (PZS) HMNs via a salt-induced liquid–liquid separation process. The size of inner cavities can be properly tuned by modulating the concentration of the NaOH solution. The regulation mechanism of the PZS HMNs was further confirmed by encapsulating water-dispersed Pt nanoclusters into the cavities. Interestingly, the resulting yolk–shell Pt@PZS serves as nanoreactors and exhibits excellent substrate selectivity and recyclability for the catalytic oxidation of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene.