A study on the high efficiency reduction of p-nitrophenol (4-NP) by a Fe(OH)3/Fe2O3@Au composite catalyst

Precious metal nanometric catalysts are widely used in the removal of harmful substances. In the process of synthesis and catalytic reaction, it is particularly important to study green and simple synthesis methods and high catalytic efficiency. In this paper, a green one-step method was used to synthesize the Fe(OH)₃/Fe₂O₃@Au composite catalyst, in which Au was single atom-dispersed. The removal of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), a typical dangerous chemical widely existing in factory waste gas, waste water and automobile exhaust gas, was catalysed by Fe(OH)₃/Fe₂O₃@Au. The catalytic performance of Fe(OH)₃/Fe₂O₃@Au with different synthesis conditions (different amounts of MES, NaBH₄, FeSO₄, Au and Pt) on the 4-NP reduction reaction were systematically studied. Finally, the stability and recyclability of Fe(OH)₃/Fe₂O₃@Au composite nanocatalyst were investigated thoroughly.

Recent Advances in Amino-Based Molecules Assisted Control of Noble-Metal Electrocatalysts

Morphology-control synthesis is an effective means to tailor surface structure of noble-metal nanocrystals, which offers a sensitive knob for tuning their electrocatalytic properties. The functional molecules are often indispensable in the morphology-control synthesis through preferential adsorption on specific crystal facets, or controlling certain crystal growth directions. In this review, the recent progress in morphology-control synthesis of noble-metal nanocrystals assisted by amino-based functional molecules for electrocatalytic applications are focused on. Although a mass of noble-metal nanocrystals with different morphologies have been reported, few review studies have been published related to amino-based molecules assisted control strategy. A full understanding for the key roles of amino-based molecules in the morphology-control synthesis is still necessary. As a result, the explicit roles and mechanisms of various types of amino-based molecules, including amino-based small molecules and amino-based polymers, in morphology-control of noble-metal nanocrystals are summarized and discussed in detail. Also presented in this progress are unique electrocatalytic properties of various shaped noble-metal nanocrystals. Particularly, the optimization of electrocatalytic selectivity induced by specific amino-based functional molecules (e.g., polyallylamine and polyethyleneimine) is highlighted. At the end, some critical prospects, and challenges in terms of amino-based molecules-controlled synthesis and electrocatalytic applications are proposed.

Hollow Multiple Noble Metallic Nanoalloys by Mercury-Assisted Galvanic Replacement Reaction for Hydrogen Evolution

Hollow multimetallic noble nanoalloys with high surface area/volume ratio, abundant active sites, and relatively effective catalytic activity have attracted considerable research interest. Traditional noble nanoalloys fabricated by hydro-/solvothermal methods usually involve harsh synthetic conditions such as high temperatures and intricate processing. We proposed a simple and mild strategy to synthesize platinum- and palladium-decorated hollow gold-based nanoalloys by the galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) at room temperature using hollow gold nanoparticles as templates and mercury as an intermediate. The hollow gold nanoparticles were essential for increasing the number of surface-active sites of the obtained multimetallic nanoalloys, and the introduction of mercury can eliminate the influence of the electrochemical potential of Pt/Pd with Au in the GRRs, increase alloying degrees, and maintain the nanoalloys that exhibit the hollow nanostructures. The structural characterizations of the hollow nanoalloys were studied by means of high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. On the basis of the electrochemical catalytic measurements, the platinum-exposed nanoalloys were found to have excellent electrocatalytic activities. Especially in the presence of palladium, owing to the synergistic effect, the quaternary AuHgPdPt hollow nanoalloy displayed a low overpotential of 38 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 with a small Tafel slope of 56.23 mV dec^-1 for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction. In addition, this approach not only expands the application range of the galvanic replacement reaction but also provides new ideas for the preparation of multialloys and even high-entropy alloys at room temperature.

Efficient polyalcohol oxidation electrocatalysts enabled by PtM (M = Fe, Co, and Ni) nanocubes surrounded by (200) crystal facets

Due to the high-density (200) crystal planes and abundant active sites, cubic platinum nanomaterials have become outstanding electrocatalysts in promoting fuel cell reactions. However, because of the fact that the facet-controlled synthesis is difficult, it is still a grand challenge to synthesize a sequence of Pt-based nanocubes via a universal method. Herein, we report a general and simple eco-friendly solvothermal method to prepare (200)-enclosed PtM nanocubes. Different from the other nanomaterials, nanocubes are conducive to mass transfer. Moreover, the synergistic and electronic effects between M and Pt are profitable to improve the utilization of precious metals. We used (200)-encapsulated nanocrystals to evaluate their electrocatalytic performance towards glycerol and ethylene glycol oxidation reactions in an alkaline medium. In particular, Pt4Co nanocubes showed superior mass activities in glycerol and ethylene glycol oxidation reactions, which are 6.2- and 5.0-fold higher than those obtained for commercial Pt/C catalysts, respectively. Meanwhile, Pt4M catalysts manifested excellent stability in the endurance test, which is attributed to the alloying effect promoting the electrooxidation of intermediates. Our study provides an ideal method for the construction of Pt-based bimetallic nanocubes, which can be used for anode reactions of polyol fuel cells and beyond.

Facile Aqueous-Phase Synthesis of Bimetallic (AgPt, AgPd, and CuPt) and Trimetallic (AgCuPt) Nanoparticles

Multi-metallic nanoparticles continue to attract attention, due to their great potential in various applications. In this paper, we report a facile aqueous-phase synthesis for multi-metallic nanoparticles, including AgPt, AgPd, CuPt, and AgCuPt, by a co-reduction method within a short reaction time of 10 min. The atomic ratio of bimetallic nanoparticles was easily controlled by varying the ratio of each precursor. In addition, we found that AgCuPt trimetallic nanoparticles had a core-shell structure with an Ag core and CuPt shell.

Gold nanomaterials as key suppliers in biological and chemical sensing, catalysis, and medicine

BACKGROUND

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with unique physicochemical properties have received a great deal of interest in the field of biological, chemical and biomedical implementations. Despite the widespread use of AuNPs in chemical and biological sensing, catalysis, imaging and diagnosis, and more recently in therapy, no comprehensive summary has been provided to explain how AuNPs could aid in developing improved sensing and catalysts systems as well as medical settings.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

The chemistry of Au-based nanosystems was followed by reviewing different applications of Au nanomaterials in biological and chemical sensing, catalysis, imaging and diagnosis by a number of approaches, and finally synergistic combination therapy of different cancers. Afterwards, the clinical impacts of AuNPs, future application of AuNPs, and opportunities and challenges of AuNPs application were also discussed.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

AuNPs show exclusive colloidal stability and are considered as ideal candidates for colorimetric detection, catalysis, imaging, and photothermal transducers, because their physicochemical properties can be tuned by adjusting their structural dimensions achieved by the different manufacturing methods.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

This review provides some details about using AuNPs in sensing and catalysis applications as well as promising theranostic nanoplatforms for cancer imaging and diagnosis, and sensitive, non-invasive, and synergistic methods for cancer treatment in an almost comprehensive manner.

Recent Advances in the Nanocatalysts-assisted NaBH4 Reduction of Nitroaromatics in water

In view of the increasing applications of nanocatalysis in chemical transformations, this article illustrates recent advances on the use of nanocatalysts for an important reduction reaction, the hydrogenation of nitroaromatics to significant aminoaromatics with aqueous NaBH₄ solution; the utility of mono- and multi-metal nanocatalysts with special emphasis on heterogeneous nanocatalysts are included. A progressive trend on the applicability of nanocatalysts is also incorporated with large scale application and their sustainable recyclization and reuse utilizing supported and magnetic nanocatalysts; representative methods for the synthesis of such reusable nanocatalysts are featured.

Graphene oxide supported titanium dioxide & ferroferric oxide hybrid, a magnetically separable photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity for tetracycline hydrochloride degradation

A facile, robust approach to the synthesis of Fe₃O₄/rGO/TiO₂nanocomposites is described.

Noble metal-based bimetallic nanoparticles: the effect of the structure on the optical, catalytic and photocatalytic properties

Nanoparticles composed of two different metal elements show novel electronic, optical, catalytic or photocatalytic properties from monometallic nanoparticles. Bimetallic nanoparticles could show not only the combination of the properties related to the presence of two individual metals, but also new properties due to a synergy between two metals. The structure of bimetallic nanoparticles can be oriented in random alloy, alloy with an intermetallic compound, cluster-in-cluster or core-shell structures and is strictly dependent on the relative strengths of metal-metal bond, surface energies of bulk elements, relative atomic sizes, preparation method and conditions, etc. In this review, selected properties, such as structure, optical, catalytic and photocatalytic of noble metals-based bimetallic nanoparticles, are discussed together with preparation routes. The effects of preparation method conditions as well as metal properties on the final structure of bimetallic nanoparticles (from alloy to core-shell structure) are followed. The role of bimetallic nanoparticles in heterogeneous catalysis and photocatalysis are discussed. Furthermore, structure and optical characteristics of bimetallic nanoparticles are described in relation to the some features of monometallic NPs. Such a complex approach allows to systematize knowledge and to identify the future direction of research.

The facile ionic liquid-assisted synthesis of hollow and porous platinum nanotubes with enhanced catalytic performances

A facile one-pot synthetic method was developed to synthesize hollow and porous Pt nanotubes (Pt-HPNTs) using silica nanorods as a template, ionic liquid as a precipitator and reductant, and in situ generated KCl as an etching agent.

Bimetallic Ag–Cu alloy nanoparticles as a highly active catalyst for the enamination of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds

Bimetallic Ag–Cu alloy nanoparticles were obtained via a simple co-reduction method, which exhibited significantly improved activity for the synthesis of β-enaminones and β-enaminoesters compared with their monometallic counterparts.

Reduced graphene oxide-stabilized copper nanocrystals with enhanced catalytic activity and SERS properties

The as-obtained Cu/rGO hybrids possess excellent air stability, a higher catalytic efficiency to the reduction of p-nitrophenol and exhibit surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity.

Faceted metal and metal oxide nanoparticles: design, fabrication and catalysis

The review addresses new advances in metal, bimetallic, metal oxide, and composite particles in their nanoregime for facet-selective catalytic applications. The synthesis and growth mechanisms of the particles have been summarized in brief in this review with a view to develop critical examination of the faceted morphology of the particles for catalysis. The size, shape and composition of the particles have been found to be largely irrelevant in comparison to the nature of facets in catalysis. Thus selective high- and low-index facets have been found to selectively promote adsorption, which eventually leads to an effective catalytic reaction. As a consequence, a high density of atoms rest at the corners, steps, stages, kinks etc on the catalyst surface in order to host the adsorbate efficiently and catalyze the reaction. Again, surface atomic arrangement and bond length have been found to play a dominant role in adsorption, leading to effective catalysis.

Polyhedral Palladium-Silver Alloy Nanocrystals as Highly Active and Stable Electrocatalysts for the Formic Acid Oxidation Reaction

Polyhedral noble–metal nanocrystals have received much attention and wide applications as electrical and optical devices as well as catalysts. In this work, a straightforward and effective hydrothermal route for the controllable synthesis of the high-quality Pd–Ag alloy polyhedrons with uniform size is presented. The morphology, composition and structure of the Pd–Ag alloy polyhedrons are fully characterized by the various physical techniques, demonstrating the Pd–Ag alloy polyhedrons are highly alloying. The formation/growth mechanisms of the Pd–Ag alloy polyhedrons are explored and discussed based on the experimental observations and discussions. As a preliminary electrochemical application, the Pd–Ag alloy polyhedrons are applied in the formic acid oxidation reaction, which shows higher electrocatalytic activity and stability than commercially available Pd black due to the “synergistic effects” between Pd and Ag atoms.

l-Lysine-assisted fabrication of PdxPt1−x/Ni(OH)2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) hybrids with composition-dependent catalytic properties

Pd_xPt_1−x/Ni(OH)₂ hybrids with composition-dependent catalytic properties were produced by a fast and facile self-assembly process with biomolecule l-lysine as the linker.

One-step melamine-assisted synthesis of graphene-supported AuPt@Au nanocrystals for enhanced catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol

Core–shell AuPt@Au NCs/rGO was facilely prepared by a one-step melamine-assisted method, which exhibited enhanced catalytic performance for p-nitrophenol reduction.

Self-assembly of amine-functionalized gold nanoparticles on phosphonate-functionalized graphene nanosheets: a highly active catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Au-NP@NH₂ can effectively self-assemble on the surface of GNS-PO₃H₂ and show excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

Ionic liquid-mediated synthesis of unique PtPd bimetallic particles with tiny subunits for efficient electrocatalytic and catalytic applications

Unusual PtPd bimetallic particles with enhanced catalytic properties are achieved with the ionic liquid-based synthesis route.

Hydrothermal synthesis of Pt-Ag alloy nano-octahedra and their enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the methanol oxidation reaction

The high-quality Pt48Ag52 alloy nano-octahedra are synthesized via one-pot hydrothermal method. The catalytic growth of Ag(0) atoms on Pt nuclei and selective oxidative etching on the Ag(0) atoms contribute to the formation of alloy nano-octahedra. Pt48Ag52 alloy nano-octahedra show excellent electrocatalytic activity and durability for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR).

Morphological control and evolution of octahedral and truncated trisoctahedral Pt-Au alloy nanocrystals under microwave irradiation

Uniform and well-defined truncated trisoctahedral and octahedral Pt-Au alloy nanocrystals were fabricated by co-reducing H(2)PtC(l6)-HAuC(l4) with tetraethylene glycol (TEG) under microwave irradiation for only 140 s. Iodide ions were critical to the morphological control and evolution of Pt-Au alloy nanostructures. The as-prepared Pt-Au alloy nanocrystals exhibited efficient electrocatalytic activities.

One-pot synthesis of Au@Pd core-shell nanocrystals with multiple high- and low-index facets and their high electrocatalytic performance

Bimetallic nanocrystals (NCs) enclosed by high-surface energy facets have been of enormous interest due to their pronounced catalytic performance in numerous chemical and electrochemical reactions. However, it remains a significant challenge to develop a facile method to synthesize bimetallic NCs with high-surface energy facets in the form of finely tuned structures due to the difficulties in manipulating the nucleation and growth kinetics of NCs in the presence of multiple metal precursors. In the present work, a facile one-pot aqueous synthesis method is developed for the production of bimetallic Au@Pd core-shell NCs with an unusual truncated hexoctahedral (THOH) shape without pre-synthesized seeds. The THOH Au@Pd NCs are bound by multiple high- and low-index facets. The formation of this unique structure is realized through co-reduction of Au and Pd precursors under precisely controlled kinetic conditions. The prepared THOH NCs exhibit a prominent electrocatalytic performance for ethanol oxidation, which is attributed to their characteristic structural features. This study significantly expands the understanding of NC growth and will lead to fabricating novel nanomaterials with desired morphologies and functions.

Controlled synthesis of Pd–Pt alloy nanohypercubes under microwave irradiation

Pd–Pt alloy nanohypercubes were fabricated by reducing Pd and Pt precursors simultaneously with tetraethylene glycol in a one step process under microwave irradiation for only 100 s. Iodide ions were critical to their syntheses.

Polyamine-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of bimetallic Pd1Cu3 multipods and their high catalytic ability in 4-nitrophenol reduction

Bimetallic Pd₁Cu₃ nanomultipods exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the 4-nitrophenol reduction.

A facile, one-pot synthesis of highly branched Au nanocorals and their enhanced electrocatalytic activity for ethanol oxidation

Dendritic Au nanocorals were prepared using a facile one-pot strategy, and exhibit excellent catalytic activity and stability for the ethanol oxidation reaction.