Naked Nanoparticles in Silica Nanocapsules: A Versatile Family of Nanorattle Catalysts

Catalytic properties of materials are of dramatic significance in many technological sectors, among which are automotive, chemical industry, and environment remediation. Nanotechnology has revolutionized this field due to the rational design of catalysts at the nanometer scale that improve the catalytic efficiency and selectivity of materials. Because of their peculiar structure that jointly provides stability and efficiency, one of the most promising nanocatalysts is the nanorattle. Here, we report a generalized and robust protocol for the production of a family of nanorattles comprising naked noble metals, metal oxide, and/or carbonaceous materials. We fully assessed, as a model reaction, their employment to methylene blue degradation, defining the most promising one for this reaction. The possibility of employing a single and scalable synthetic process for the production of nanorattles with peculiar features for specific reactions dramatically enhances their future applications.