Bimetallic AuRh nanodendrites consisting of Au icosahedron cores and atomically ultrathin Rh nanoplate shells: synthesis and light-enhanced catalytic activity
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Abstract
Precise control of the morphology, composition and structure of metal nanostructures not only effectively improves their catalytic activity and durability but also enhances their range of applications. In this work, bimetallic Au@Rh core–shell nanodendrites are synthesized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. Physical characterizations show that the dendritic Rh consists of two-dimensional (2D) ultrathin Rh nanoplates with a thickness of approximately 1.2 nm. For the first time, Au@Rh core–shell nanostructures are used as a catalyst for the hydrogen generation reaction from aqueous hydrazine solution (N2H4=N2+2H2, HGR-N2H4). Bimetallic Au@Rh core–shell nanodendrites exhibit improved catalytic activity and durability for the HGR-N2H4 compared with commercial Rh nanocrystals, which can be attributed to the atomically ultrathin structure of 2D Rh nanoplates and the interconnected structure of nanodendrites, respectively. Under light irradiation, bimetallic Au@Rh core–shell nanodendrites show light-enhanced catalytic activity for the HGR-N2H4, originating from the distinctive localized surface plasmon resonance of Au icosahedron cores. An easy way to make bimetallic nanoparticles with ultrathin branch-like structures that can enhance hydrogen production has been developed. Nanomaterials are useful for a wide range of applications, from targeted drug delivery to catalysts for chemical processes. In most cases, their effectiveness depends critically on their composition and shape. Now, using a one-pot hydrothermal process, Yu Chen and colleagues from Shaanxi Normal University in Xi'an, China, have synthesized bimetallic nanoparticles with branch-like structures, or dendrites, on their surfaces. These structures consist of an icosahedron-shaped core of gold surrounded by a shell of rhodium plates. When the researchers used these bimetallic core–shell nanodendrites as a catalyst for generating hydrogen from a hydrazine solution, they achieved a higher catalytic activity and durability than commercial rhodium nanocrystals. The bimetallic Au@Rh core–shell nanodendrites with ultrathin Rh nanoplate shells show the light-enhanced catalytic activity for the hydrogen generation reaction from aqueous hydrazine solution.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion · Nanomaterials for catalytic reactions · Catalysis and Hydrodesulfurization Studies
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References (59)
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