One-step synthesis and shape-control of CuPd nanowire networks

Metallic nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of toxic hexavalent chromium from aqueous medium: A state-of-the-art review

The ever increasing concentration of toxic and carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) in various environmental mediums including water-bodies due to anthropogenic activities with rapid civilization and industrialization have become the major issue throughout the globe during last few decades. Therefore, developing new strategies for the treatment of Cr(VI) contaminated wastewaters are in great demand and have become a topical issue in academia and industry. To date, various techniques have been used for the remediation of Cr(VI) contaminated wastewaters including solvent extraction, adsorption, catalytic reduction, membrane filtration, biological treatment, coagulation, ion exchange and photo-catalytic reduction. Among these methods, the transformation of highly toxic Cr(VI) to benign Cr(III) catalyzed by metallic nanoparticles (M-NPs) with reductant has gained increasing attention in the past few years, and is considered to be an effective approach due to the superior catalytic performance of M-NPs. Thus, it is a timely topic to review this emerging technique for Cr(VI) reduction. Herein, recent development in synthesis of M-NPs based non-supported, supported, mono-, bi- and ternary M-NPs catalysts, their characterization and performance for the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) are reviewed. The role of supporting host to stabilize the M-NPs and leading to enhance the reduction of Cr(VI) are discussed. The Cr(VI) reduction mechanism, kinetics, and factors affecting the kinetics are overviewed to collect the wealthy kinetics data. Finally, the challenges and perspective in Cr(VI) reduction catalyzed by M-NPs are proposed. We believe that this review will assist the researchers who are working to develop novel M-NPs catalysts for the reduction of Cr(VI).

Self-Assembled Silver Nanoparticles Decorated on Exfoliated Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Carbon Sphere Nanocomposites as a Novel Catalyst for Catalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) from Wastewater and Reuse for Photocatalytic Applications

Silver nanoparticles decorated on an exfoliated graphitic carbon nitride/carbon sphere (AgNP/Eg-C₃N₄/CS) nanocomposites were synthesized by an adsorption method with a self-assembled process. These nanoparticles were characterized by different techniques like UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM), transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and ζ potential. AgNP/Eg-C₃N₄/CS nanocomposites showed a higher catalytic reduction activity for the conversion of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) with formic acid (FA) at 45 °C when compared to bulk graphitic carbon nitride (Bg-C₃N₄, Eg-C₃N₄, CS, and Eg-C₃N₄/CS). The kinetic rate constants were determined as a function of catalyst dosage, concentration of Cr(VI), pH, and temperature for the AgNP/Eg-C₃N₄/CS nanocomposite. This material showed higher reduction efficiency (98.5%, k = 0.0621 min^-1) with turnover frequency (0.0158 min^-1) for the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). It also showed great selectivity and high stability after six repeated cycles (98.5%). Further, the reusability of the Cr(III)-AgNP/Eg-C₃N₄/CS nanocomposite was also investigated for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation with various time intervals and it showed good degradation efficiency (α = 97.95%). From these results, the AgNP/Eg-C₃N₄/CS nanocomposite demonstrated higher catalytic activity, improved environmental friendliness, lower cost for the conversion of toxic Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in solutions, and also good reusability.

In situ electrochemical redox tuning of Pd-Co hybrid electrocatalysts for high-performance methanol oxidation: Strong metal-support interaction

Construction of strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) is of fundamental interest in the preparation of supported metal nanoparticle catalysts with enhanced catalytic activity. Herein, we report a facile in situ electrochemical redox tuning approach to build strong interactions between metals and supports. As for a typical example, a composite electrocatalyst of Pd-Co hybrid nanoparticles directly developed on Ni substrate is found to follow a distinct surface self-reconstruction process in alkaline media via an in situ electrochemical redox procedure, which results in structural transition from the original nanoparticles (NPs) to nanosheets (NSs) coupled with a phase transformation of the Co component, Co → CoO/Co(OH)₂. The SMSI is observed in the electrochemically tuned Pd-Co hybrid system and leads to significantly enhanced catalytic activity for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) due to the modified atomic/electronic structure, increased surface area, and more exposed electroactive sites. Compared with commercial Pd/C catalyst, the electrochemically tuned Pd-Co hybrid catalyst with SMSI exhibits superior catalytic activity (2330 mA∙mg_Pd^-1) and much better stability (remains 503 mA∙mg_Pd^-1 after 1000 cycles and 172 mA∙mg_Pd^-1 after 5000 s), and therefore has great potential in practical applications.

Preparation and Electrocatalysis Application of Pure Metallic Aerogel: A Review

Nanomaterials are widely used in electrocatalysts due to their quantum size effect and high utilization efficiency. There are two ways to improve the activity of nanoelectrocatalysts: increasing the number of active sites and improving the inherent activity of each catalytic site. The structure of the catalyst itself can be improved by increasing the number of exposed active sites per unit mass. The high porosity and three-dimensional network structure enable aerogels to have the characteristics of a large specific surface area, exposing many active sites and bringing structural stability through the self-supporting nature of aerogels. Thus, by adjusting the compositions of aerogels, the synergetic effect introduced by alloy elements can be utilized to further improve the single-site activity. In this review, we summarized the basic preparation strategy of aerogels and extended it to the preparation of alloys and special structure aerogels. Moreover, through the eight electrocatalysis cases, the outstanding catalytic performances and broad applicability of aerogel electrocatalysts are emphasized. Finally, we predict the future development of pure metallic aerogel electrocatalysts from the perspective of preparation to application.

Au-Doped intermetallic Pd3Pb wavy nanowires as highly efficient electrocatalysts toward the oxygen reduction reaction

Au-Doped intermetallic Pd₃Pb wavy nanowires were synthesized and exhibited substantially enhanced properties for the oxygen reduction reaction relative to commercial Pt/C.

Galvanic Replacement-Mediated Synthesis of Ni-Supported Pd Nanoparticles with Strong Metal-Support Interaction for Methanol Electro-oxidation

Herein, well-defined Pd nanoparticles (NPs) developed on Ni substrate (Pd NPs/Ni) are synthesized via a facile galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) route performed in ethaline-based deep eutectic solvent (DES). For comparison, a Pd NPs/Ni composite is also prepared by the GRR method conducted in an aqueous solution. The Pd NPs/Ni obtained from the ethaline-DES is catalytically more active and durable for the methanol electro-oxidation reaction (MOR) than those of the counterpart derived from conventional aqueous solution and commercial Pd/C under alkaline media. Detailed kinetic analysis indicates that the unique solvent environment offered by ethaline plays vital roles in adjusting the reactivity of the active species and their mass transport properties to control over the genesis of the Pd NPs/Ni nanocomposite. The resulting Pd NPs/Ni catalyst possesses a homogeneous dispersion of Pd NPs with a strong Pd (metal)-Ni (support) interaction. This structure enhances the charge transfer between the support and the active phases, and optimizes the adsorption energy of OH^- and CO on the surface, leading to superior electrocatalytic performance. This work provides a novel GRR strategy performed in ethaline-DES to the rational design and construction of advanced metal/support catalysts with strong interaction for improving the activity and durability for MOR.

Fabrication of palladium-copper nanoparticles with controllable size and chemical composition

A series of Pd_xCu_100-x (x = 20, 40, 60, 80) particles with the sizes of 7-9 nm were fabricated by a two-step polyol reduction process, which differentiated the nucleation and growth steps of the nanoparticles. The primary reduction of Pd²⁺ by ethylene glycol at 393 K formed appreciable amounts of Pd⁰ nuclei, while the subsequent reduction at 473 K fully reduced the Pd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ species with the aid of the initially formed Pd nuclei seeds. Meanwhile, the releasing oleylamine, previously coordinated with metal cations, acted as the capping agent to segregate the nanoparticles. Both parameters simultaneously controlled the assembly kinetics of the bimetallic nanoparticles and resulted in uniform sizes and designed chemical compositions. Among them, the Pd₈₀Cu₂₀ nanoparticles showed quite promising activity and selectivity for the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene under mild conditions.

From Complex Inorganic Oxides to Ag-Bi Nanoalloy: Synthesis by Femtosecond Laser Irradiation

Bimetallic nanoalloys with a wide variety of structures and compositions have been fabricated through many diverse techniques. Generally, various steps and chemicals are involved in their fabrication. In this study, the synthesis of Ag-Bi nanoalloys by femtosecond laser irradiation of an inorganic oxide Ag₂WO₄/NaBiO₃ target without any chemicals like reducing agents or solvent is presented. The interaction between these materials and the ultrashort pulse of light allows the migration of Ag and Bi atoms from the crystal lattice to the particles surfaces and then to the plasma plume, where the reduction of the positively charged Ag and Bi species in their respective metallic species takes place. Subsequently, the controlled nucleation and growth of the Ag-Bi alloyed nanoparticles occurs in situ during the irradiation process in air. Although at the bulk level, these elements are highly immiscible, it was experimentally demonstrated that at nanoscale, the Ag-Bi nanoalloy can assume a randomly mixed structure with up to 6 ± 1 atom % of Bi solubilized into the face-centered cubic structure of Ag. Furthermore, the Ag-Bi binary system possesses high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant and methicilin-susceptible), which is interesting for potential antimicrobial applications, consequently increasing their range of applicability. The present results provide potential insights into the structures formed by the Ag-Bi systems at the nanoscale and reveal a new processing method where complex inorganic oxides can be used as precursors for the controlled synthesis of alloyed bimetallic nanoparticles.

PdAg Bimetallic Nanoalloy-Decorated Graphene: A Nanohybrid with Unprecedented Electrocatalytic, Catalytic, and Sensing Activities

Recent reports about the promising and tunable electrocatalytic activity and stability of nanoalloys have stimulated an intense research activity toward the design and synthesis of homogeneously alloyed novel bimetallic nanoelectrocatalysts. We herein present a simple one-pot facile wet-chemical approach for the deposition of high-quality bimetallic palladium-silver (PdAg) homogeneous nanoalloy crystals on reduced graphene (Gr) oxide sheets. Morphological, structural, and chemical characterizations of the so-crafted nanohybrids establish a homogeneous distribution of 1:1 PdAg nanoalloy crystals supported over reduced graphene oxide (PdAg-Gr). The PdAg-Gr nanohybrids exhibit outstanding electrocatalytic, catalytic, and electroanalytical performances. The PdAg-Gr samples were found to exhibit exceptional durability when subjected to repeated potential cycles or long-term electrolysis. In the CVs recorded for fuel cell reactions, viz. methanol oxidation reaction and oxygen reduction reaction, and for detoxification of environmental pollutants, viz. electroreduction of methyl iodide and chloroacetonitrile over PdAg-Gr with potential sweep rate of 25 mVs^-1, the peak potentials were observed to be just -0.221, -0.297, (vs Ag/AgCl, 3 M KCl) -1.508, and -1.189 V (vs Fc⁺/Fc), respectively. The potential of PdAg-Gr nanohybrid for simultaneous and sensitive electrochemical sensing and estimation of hydroxybenzene isomers with very low detection limits (0.05 μM for hydroquinone, 0.06 μM for catechol, 6.7 nM for 4-aminophenol, and 13.7 nM for 2-aminophenol) is demonstrated. Additionally, PdAg-Gr was observed to offer excellent solution-phase catalytic performance in bringing about the reduction of notorious environmental pollutant 4-nitrophenol to pharmaceutically important 4-aminophenol with an apparent rate constant ( k_app) of 3.106 × 10^-2 s^-1 and a normalized rate constant ( k_nor) of 6.21 × 10² s^-1 g^-1. The presented synthetic scheme besides being high yielding, low cost, and easy to carry out results in the production of PdAg-Gr nanohybrids with stability and activity significantly better than most of the nanomaterials purposefully designed and testified so far by various groups.

Highly Efficient Dual Active Palladium Nanonetwork Electrocatalyst for Ethanol Oxidation and Hydrogen Evolution

Tunable palladium nanonetwork (PdNN) has been developed for catalyzing ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolyte. 3D PdNN is regarded as a dual active electrocatalyst for both EOR and HER for energy conversion application. The PdNN has been synthesized by the simple chemical route with the assistance of zinc precursor and a surfactant (i.e., cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB). The thickness of the network can be tuned by simply adjusting the concentration of CTAB. Both EOR and HER have been performed in an alkaline electrolyte, and characterized by different voltammetric methods. The 3D PdNN has shown 2.2-fold higher electrochemical surface area than the commercially available Pt/C including other tested catalysts with minimal Pd loading. As a result, it provides a higher density of EOR and HER active sites and facilitated the electron transport. For example, it shows 2.6-fold higher mass activity with significantly lower CO₂ production for EOR and the similar overpotential (110 mV @ 10 mA cm^-2) for HER compared to Pt/C with better reaction kinetics for both reactions. Thus, the PdNN is proved as an efficient electrocatalyst with better electrocatalytic activity and stability than state-of-the-art Pt/C for both EOR and HER because of the crystalline, monodispersed, and support-free porous nanonetwork.

Nanowire networks and hollow nanospheres of Ag-Au bimetallic alloys at room temperature

Due to their physicochemical properties, metallic nanoalloys have potential applications in biomedicine, electrocatalysis and electrochemical sensors, among many other fields. New alternative procedures have emerged in order to reduce production costs and the use of toxic substances. In this study we present a novel low-toxicity synthesis method for the fabrication of nanowire networks (NWNs) and Ag-Au hollow nanospheres. The synthesis process is performed at room temperature without any sophisticated equipment, such as special cameras or furnaces, etc. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the NWNs contain random alloys with a diameter of between 10-13 nm. The radius for the hollow nanospheres is approximately located between 70-130 nm. The absorption bands in the UV-vis spectrum associated with the surface plasmon in Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticles are highlighted at 385 nm for the NWNs and 643 nm for the hollow nanospheres. The study was performed with low-toxicity substances, such as rongalite, ascorbic acid and sucrose, and showed high efficiency for the fabrication of these types of nanostructures, as well as good stability for long periods of time.

Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Furfural to 2-Methylfuran and 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran over Bimetallic Copper-Palladium Catalysts

The catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural to the fuel additives 2-methylfuran (2-MF) and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) was investigated over various bimetallic catalysts in the presence of the hydrogen donor 2-propanol. Of all the as-prepared catalysts, bimetallic Cu-Pd catalysts showed the highest catalytic activities towards the formation of 2-MF and 2-MTHF with a total yield of up to 83.9 % yield at 220 °C in 4 h. By modifying the Pd ratios in the Cu-Pd catalyst, 2-MF or 2-MTHF could be obtained selectively as the prevailing product. The other reaction conditions also had a great influence on the product distribution. Mechanistic studies by reaction monitoring and intermediate conversion revealed that the reaction proceeded mainly through the hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol, which was followed by deoxygenation to 2-MF in parallel to deoxygenation/ring hydrogenation to 2-MTHF. Finally, the catalyst showed a high reactivity and stability in five catalyst recycling runs, which represents a significant step forward toward the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural.

A porous ternary PtPdCu alloy with a spherical network structure for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation

A porous ternary alloy Pt₅PdCu₅ was prepared, which exhibits a unique spherical network structure with a high specific surface area of 86.9 m² g⁻¹ and enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation.

Three-dimensional hyperbranched PdCu nanostructures with high electrocatalytic activity

In this study, three-dimensional (3D) PdCu alloyed nanostructures, consisting of one-dimensional (1D) branches, were successfully synthesized through a facile wet-chemical method without using any seeds or organic solvent.

Facile One-Step Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Pd-Ag Bimetallic Alloy Networks and Their Electrocatalytic Activity toward Ethanol Oxidation

The three-dimensional palladium networks and palladium-silver bimetallic alloy networks were synthesized at room temperature on a large scale using a rapid and simple strategy. The results revealed that the morphology of the networks is not affected by the composition. We demonstrated that the as-prepared unsupported networks exhibited excellent electrochemical activity and stability toward ethanol oxidation reaction in alkaline media due to the formation of palladium-silver alloys as well as the porous nanostructures. The results indicate that the well-defined three-dimensional palladium-silver bimetallic alloy networks are promising catalysts for fuel cells.

Facile synthesis of Cu-Pd bimetallic multipods for application in cyclohexane oxidation

The synergy between Cu and Pd makes Cu-Pd bimetallic nanocrystals interesting materials for investigation. The scarcity of shapes of Cu-Pd bimetallic nanocrystals motivated us to explore highly branched structures, which may promote a wide range of applications. In this communication, we report a facile synthesis of Cu-Pd bimetallic multipods (19.2 ± 1.2 nm), on branches of which some high-index facets were exposed. Modification of reaction parameters concerning capping agents and reductant led to the formation of other shapes, including sphere-like nanocrystals (SNCs). When loaded onto TiO2, the as-prepared Cu-Pd bimetallic multipods exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the oxidation of cyclohexane by hydrogen peroxide and higher selectivity towards cyclohexanone than monometallic catalysts and SNCs/TiO2.

Synthesis of Bi nanowire networks and their superior photocatalytic activity for Cr(vi) reduction

Interconnected Bi nanowire networks were synthesized for the first time via a solvothermal route by using ethylene glycol (EG) as both a solvent and a reducing agent, and citric acid (CA) as a stabilizing agent at a molar ratio of CA/Bi(3+) = 5. Among various reaction conditions including the temperature, reaction time and precursor concentration, the molar ratio of CA/Bi(3+) was the dominant experimental parameter to influence the morphology and structures of the Bi crystals. Highly dispersed Bi microspheres and network-like Bi thick wires were obtained if the molar ratio of CA/Bi(3+) was changed to 2.5 and 10, respectively. As compared to other additives including trisodium citrate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and oxalic acid, good solubility of CA in EG together with its coordination effect played a crucial role in the formation of network-like Bi nanowires. The Bi nanowire networks exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance for Cr(vi) reduction. Cr(vi) was completely reduced to less toxic Cr(iii) after 8 min and 55 min of UV and visible-light irradiation, respectively.

One-pot synthesis of Ag@Cu yolk–shell nanostructures and their application as non-enzymatic glucose biosensors

In this report, Ag@Cu yolk–shell nanostructures have been synthesized through a facile one-pot hydrothermal method.