Synthesis and Characterization of PtTe2 Multi-Crystallite Nanoparticles using Organotellurium Nanocomposites

Copper(i) as a reducing agent for the synthesis of bimetallic PtCu catalytic nanoparticles

This work investigates the potential utilization of Cu(i) as a reducing agent for the transformation of the platinum salt K2PtCl4, resulting in the production of stable nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibit a bimetallic composition, incorporating copper within their final structure. This approach offers a convenient and accessible methodology for the production of bimetallic nanostructures. The catalytic properties of these novel nanomaterials have been explored in various applications, including their use as artificial metalloenzymes and in the degradation of dyes. The findings underscore the significant potential of Cu(i)-mediated reduction in the development of functional nanomaterials with diverse catalytic applications.

Electro-Design of Bimetallic PdTe Electrocatalyst for Ethanol Oxidation: Combined Experimental Approach and Ab Initio Density Functional Theory (DFT)-Based Study

An alternative electrosynthesis of PdTe, using the electrochemical atomic layer deposition (E-ALD) method, is reported. The cyclic voltammetry technique was used to analyze Au substrate in copper (Cu²⁺), and a tellurous (Te⁴⁺) solution was used to identify UPDs and set the E-ALD cycle program. Results obtained using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques reveal the nanometer-sized flat morphology of the systems, indicating the epitaxial characteristics of Pd and PdTe nanofilms. The effect of the Pd:Te ratio on the crystalline structure, electronic properties, and magnetic properties was investigated using a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and X-ray diffraction techniques. Te-containing electrocatalysts showed improved peak current response and negative onset potential toward ethanol oxidation (5 mA; -0.49 V) than Pd (2.0 mA; -0.3 V). Moreover, DFT ab initio calculation results obtained when the effect of Te content on oxygen adsorption was studied revealed that the d-band center shifted relative to the Fermi level: -1.83 eV, -1.98 eV, and -2.14 eV for Pd, Pd₃Te, and Pd₃Te₂, respectively. The results signify the weakening of the CO-like species and the improvement in the PdTe catalytic activity. Thus, the electronic and geometric effects are the descriptors of Pd₃Te₂ activity. The results suggest that Pd₂Te₂ is a potential candidate electrocatalyst that can be used for the fabrication of ethanol fuel cells.