Synthesis of atom-precise supported metal clusters via solid-phase peptide synthesis

TL;DR

A new automated method uses metallopeptides to precisely synthesize supported metal clusters, which are important for catalysis.

Contribution

The novel approach uses solid-phase peptide synthesis to create metallopeptide precursors for metal clusters.

Findings

Metallopeptides with iron and platinum complexes were synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis.

Heating metallopeptides in hydrogen successfully produced supported metal clusters.

The method allows for precise and automated cluster synthesis.

Abstract

While the utility of supported metal and alloy clusters as catalytic materials is widely recognized, their precise synthesis remains a challenge. Here, we demonstrate the precise synthesis of these clusters via metallopeptides. This technique is characterized by its ability to be automated using Merrifield's solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Metallopeptides with iron and platinum complexes in their side chains have been prepared using this SPPS. These metallopeptides were successfully transformed into the corresponding supported metal clusters by heating in a hydrogen atmosphere.

A new approach enables the automated synthesis of metal and alloy clusters, using metallopeptides as precursors. This method employs Merrifield's solid-phase peptide synthesis, which are then transformed into metal clusters.

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