Encapsulation of metal nanoparticles in a zeolite matrix is a promising route to integrate multiple sequential reactions into a one-pot and one-step tandem catalytic reaction. We report a cationic polymer-assisted synthetic strategy to encapsulate Pt nanoparticles (NPs) into MFI zeolites. Degrees of encapsulation of Pt NPs in the synthesized catalysts exceeding 90% were demonstrated via kinetic studies of model reactions involving substrates with different molecular dimensions. HZSM-5 zeolite-encapsulated Pt NPs are able to selectively mediate the tandem aldol condensation and hydrogenation of furfural and acetone to form hydrogenated C products with a combined yield of 87%. In contrast, hydrogenation and decarbonylation of furfural dominate on Pt NPs supported on HZSM-5 at otherwise identical conditions. The high selectivity toward the tandem reaction on the encapsulated catalyst is attributed to the distribution of metal and acid sites, which limits the access of furfural to Pt sites and promotes the acid-catalyzed aldol condensation. This is the first demonstration that the product distribution in a tandem reaction is manipulated by tailoring the architecture of catalytic materials via encapsulation.
