Unique Structural Characteristics of Catalytic Palladium/Gold Nanoparticles on Graphene

Adding Au to Pd nanoparticles (NPs) can impart high catalytic activity with respect to hydrogenation of a wide range of substances. These materials are often synthesized by reducing metallic precursors; hence, sonochemical and solvothermal processes are commonly used to anchor these bimetals onto thin supports, including graphene. Although similar NPs have been studied reasonably well, a clear understanding of structural characteristics relative to their synthesis parameters is lacking, due to limitations in characterization techniques, which may prevent optimization of this very promising catalyst. In this report, a strategic approach has been used to identify this structural and material synthesis correlation, starting with controlled sample preparation and followed by detailed characterization. This includes advanced scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy; the latter using a state-of-the-art instrumentation to map the distribution of Pd and Au, and to identify chemical state of the Pd NPs, which has not been previously reported. Results show that catalytic bimetal NP clusters were made of small zero-valent Pd NPs aggregating to form a shell around an Au core. Not only can the described characterization approach be applied to similar material systems, but the results can guide the optimization of the synthesis procedures.

(1)H and (19)F PGSE diffusion and HOESY NMR studies on cationic palladium (II) 1,3-diphenylallyl complexes in THF solution

THF solutions of the cationic chiral 1,3-diphenylallyl bidentate phosphine complexes [Pd(eta(3)-PhCHCHCHPh)(Duphos)](CF(3)SO(3)), Duphos = 1,2-Bis-((2R,5R)-2,5-dimethylphospholano)benzene), 2, and [Pd(eta(3)-PhCHCHCHPh)(P,S)]BF(4), 4, P,S = [8-((o-(diphenylphosphino)benzyl) thiomethyl]-(7,7'-dimethyl)-exo-norborneol, have been studied via pulsed gradient spin-echo (PGSE) diffusion, (1)H, (19)F HOESY and a variety of other multi-dimensional NMR methods. On the basis of the (1)H, (19)F HOESY data, the anions show a preference for a specific structural position with respect to the eta(3)-PhCHCHCHPh allyl ligand, i.e. the anion does not move evenly around the periphery of the cation. THF is shown to promote significant ion pairing, although neither 2 nor 4 shows 100% ion pairing.

Dental devices; dental noble metal alloys and dental base metal alloys; designation of special controls. Final rule

The Food and Drug Administration is amending the identification and classification regulations of gold-based alloys and precious metal alloys for clinical use and base alloys devices in order to designate a special control for these devices. FDA is also exempting these devices from premarket notification requirements. The agency is taking this action on its own initiative. This action is being taken under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act), as amended by the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990 (SMDA), and the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997 (FDAMA). Elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, FDA is announcing the availability of the draft guidance documents that would serve as special controls for these devices.