Supported
iridium complexes, Ir(C2H4)2/support,
were characterized by X-ray absorption spectroscopy
during a temperature ramp to 120 °C in flowing H2.
Iridium in complexes bonded to weak and moderate electron-donor supports,
SiO2 and γ-Al2O3, underwent
aggregation, forming nanoparticles and clusters, respectively. When
the support was a strong electron-donor (MgO), iridium remained site-isolated.
Density functional theory calculations confirm the dependence of iridium–support
bond strength on the support’s electron-donor character. Coating
the SiO2-supported complexes with 1-n-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium
acetate enhanced electron density on the iridium, hindering its aggregation.
These results demonstrate opportunities for stabilizing atomically
dispersed supported noble metals under reducing conditions by choice
of support/ionic liquid sheath combinations.
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