Embedded phases: a way to active and stable catalysts

One-pot organometallic synthesis of alumina-embedded Pd nanoparticles

Herein we report a one pot organometallic strategy to access alumina-embedded Pd nanoparticles. Unexpectedly, the decomposition of the organometallic complex tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0), Pd₂(dba)₃, by dihydrogen in the presence of aluminum isopropoxide, Al(iPrO)₃, and without extra stabilizers, was found to be an efficient method to generate a Pd colloidal solution. Careful characterization studies revealed that the so-obtained Pd nanoparticles were stabilized by an aluminum isopropoxide tetramer and 1,5-diphenyl-pentan-3-one, which was produced after reduction of the dba ligand from the organometallic precursor. Moreover, calcination of the obtained nanomaterial in air at 773 K for 2 h resulted in a nanocomposite material containing Pd nanoparticles embedded in Al₂O₃. This stabilization strategy opens new possibilities for the preparation of transition metal nanoparticles embedded in oxides.

Platinum Nanoparticle-embedded Porous Diamond Spherical Particles as an Active and Stable Heterogeneous Catalyst

Platinum nanoparticle-embedded porous diamond spherical particles (PtNP@PDSPs), as an active and stable catalyst, were fabricated by spray-drying of an aqueous slurry containing nanodiamond (ND) particles, platinum nanoparticles (PtNP), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to form ND/PtNP/PEG composite spherical particles, followed by removal of PEG and a short-time diamond growth on the surface. The average diameter of the PtNP@PDSPs can be controlled in the range of 1–5 μm according to the spray-drying conditions. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and average pore diameter of the PtNP@PDSPs were estimated to be ca. 170–300 m² g⁻¹ and ca. 4–13 nm, respectively. When ND with the size of 20–30 nm was used, the size of PtNP in the PtNP@PDSP was almost unchanged at 5–6 nm even after high temperature processes and reuse test for catalytic reaction, showing stable supporting. The catalytic activity of the PtNP@PDSPs for the dehydrogenation of cyclohexane was higher than that for a Pt/C catalyst, which is attributed to the stable PtNP support by the three-dimensional packing of ND and efficient mass transfer via the interconnected through-hole pores in the PDSPs.

Au@Void@Ag Yolk-Shell Nanoclusters Visited by Molecular Dynamics Simulation: The Effects of Structural Factors on Thermodynamic Stability

Au@void@Ag yolk-shell nanoclusters were studied by molecular dynamics simulation in order to study the effects of core and shell sizes on their thermodynamic stability and structural transformation. The results demonstrated that all of simulated nanoclusters with different core and shell sizes are unstable at temperatures lower than 350 K in such a way that Ag atoms are collapsed into the void space and fill it, which leads to creation of a more stable core-shell morphology, and at the melting point, only core-shell structures with altered thickness of the shell exist. Also, at higher temperatures, Au atoms tend to migrate toward the surface, and an increase of both the core and shell sizes leads to an increase of the thermodynamic stability. Moreover, a Au₁₄₇@void@Ag₂₅₂ nanocluster with the largest core and shell and minimum void space exhibited the most thermodynamic stability and highest melting point. Generally, the core and shell sizes affect the stability and thermal behavior of yolk-shell nanoclusters cooperatively.

Sandwich-like PdO/CeO2 nanosheet@HZSM-5 membrane hybrid composite for methane combustion: self-redispersion, sintering-resistance and oxygen, water-tolerance

PdO/CeO2 nanosheets encapsulated by a monolayer of a continuous and dense HZSM-5 zeolite membrane were prepared by a facile in situ hydrothermal growth process and used as a highly efficient and thermally stable catalyst for methane combustion. Uncoated PdO/CeO2 suffered severe sintering at high temperature or high oxygen concentration. However, the encapsulation of HZSM-5 significantly improved sintering resistance by the suppressing effects of the HZSM-5 coating for the agglomeration of PdOx nanoparticles, resulting in the outstanding thermal stability of PdO/CeO2. Furthermore, the synthesized hybrid materials also exhibited good oxygen- and water-tolerance for methane combustion due to the oxygen or water barrier. In addition, a reactivation behavior was observed due to the self-redispersion of PdOx on CeO2 nanosheets in the reaction atmosphere at high temperature.

Design, synthesis and applications of core-shell, hollow core, and nanorattle multifunctional nanostructures

With the evolution of nanoscience and nanotechnology, studies have been focused on manipulating nanoparticle properties through the control of their size, composition, and morphology. As nanomaterial research has progressed, the foremost focus has gradually shifted from synthesis, morphology control, and characterization of properties to the investigation of function and the utility of integrating these materials and chemical sciences with the physical, biological, and medical fields, which therefore necessitates the development of novel materials that are capable of performing multiple tasks and functions. The construction of multifunctional nanomaterials that integrate two or more functions into a single geometry has been achieved through the surface-coating technique, which created a new class of substances designated as core-shell nanoparticles. Core-shell materials have growing and expanding applications due to the multifunctionality that is achieved through the formation of multiple shells as well as the manipulation of core/shell materials. Moreover, core removal from core-shell-based structures offers excellent opportunities to construct multifunctional hollow core architectures that possess huge storage capacities, low densities, and tunable optical properties. Furthermore, the fabrication of nanomaterials that have the combined properties of a core-shell structure with that of a hollow one has resulted in the creation of a new and important class of substances, known as the rattle core-shell nanoparticles, or nanorattles. The design strategies of these new multifunctional nanostructures (core-shell, hollow core, and nanorattle) are discussed in the first part of this review. In the second part, different synthesis and fabrication approaches for multifunctional core-shell, hollow core-shell and rattle core-shell architectures are highlighted. Finally, in the last part of the article, the versatile and diverse applications of these nanoarchitectures in catalysis, energy storage, sensing, and biomedicine are presented.

Graphene stabilized ultra-small CuNi nanocomposite with high activity and recyclability toward catalysing the reduction of aromatic nitro-compounds

Nowadays, it is of great significance and a challenge to design a noble-metal-free catalyst with high activity and a long lifetime for the reduction of aromatic nitro-compounds. Here, a 2D structured nanocomposite catalyst with graphene supported CuNi alloy nanoparticles (NPs) is prepared, and is promising for meeting the requirements of green chemistry. In this graphene/CuNi nanocomposite, the ultra-small CuNi nanoparticles (∼2 nm) are evenly anchored on graphene sheets, which is not only a breakthrough in the structures, but also brings about an outstanding performance in activity and stability. Combined with a precise optimization of the alloy ratios, the reaction rate constant of graphene/Cu61Ni39 reached a high level of 0.13685 s(-1), with a desirable selectivity as high as 99% for various aromatic nitro-compounds. What's more, the catalyst exhibited a unprecedented long lifetime because it could be recycled over 25 times without obvious performance decay or even a morphology change. This work showed the promise and great potential of noble-metal-free catalysts in green chemistry.

Water-dispersible and magnetically recoverable Fe3O4/Pd@nitrogen-doped carbon composite catalysts for the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Water-dispersible and magnetically recoverable Fe₃O₄/Pd@nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts were prepared. The catalysts have good catalytic activity and can be magnetically separated from the reaction solution.

Polystyrene supported N-phenylpiperazine–Cu(ii) complex: an efficient and reusable catalyst for KA2-coupling reactions under solvent-free conditions

Propargylamines were synthesized in excellent yields from cyclohexanone and pentanone with a variety of secondary amines and alkynes by employing a new polystyrene supported N-phenylpiperazine–Cu(ii) complex 4c.

Structured catalysts for dry reforming of methane

This review highlights the progress in designing oxide catalysts with well defined structures for dry reforming of methane.

Nanoparticles-in-concavities as efficient nanocatalysts for carbon dioxide reforming of methane to hydrogen and syngas

The ceria concavity-loaded Ni nanoparticle catalysts can lead to more active sites and promote CO₂ dissociative activation and CO desorption, thus enhancing significantly the catalytic performances for methane dry reforming with CO₂.

Copper immobilized ferromagnetic nanoparticle triazine dendrimer (FMNP@TD–Cu(ii))-catalyzed regioselective synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles

The synthesis, characterisation and catalytic activity of FMNP@TD–Cu(ii) for the synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles are reported.

Preparation of Pd/Fe3O4 nanoparticles by use of Euphorbia stracheyi Boiss root extract: A magnetically recoverable catalyst for one-pot reductive amination of aldehydes at room temperature

We describe a method for supporting palladium nanoparticles on magnetic nanoparticles using Euphorbia stracheyi Boiss root extract as the natural source of reducing and stabilizing agent. The progress of the reaction was monitored using UV-visible spectroscopy. The nanocatalyst was characterized by FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, EDS, FT-IR spectroscopy and ICP. The nanocatalyst was applied as an efficient, magnetically recoverable, highly reusable and heterogeneous catalyst for one-pot reductive amination of aldehydes at room temperature. The nanocatalyst was easily recovered by applying an external magnet and reused several times without considerable loss of activity.

Toward high throughput optical metamaterial assemblies

Optical metamaterials have unique engineered optical properties. These properties arise from the careful organization of plasmonic elements. Transitioning these properties from laboratory experiments to functional materials may lead to disruptive technologies for controlling light. A significant issue impeding the realization of optical metamaterial devices is the need for robust and efficient assembly strategies to govern the order of the nanometer-sized elements while enabling macroscopic throughput. This mini-review critically highlights recent approaches and challenges in creating these artificial materials. As the ability to assemble optical metamaterials improves, new unforeseen opportunities may arise for revolutionary optical devices.

Progress in Synthesis of Highly Active and Stable Nickel-Based Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane

In recent decades, rising anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (mainly CO2 and CH4 ) have increased alarm due to escalating effects of global warming. The dry carbon dioxide reforming of methane (DRM) reaction is a sustainable way to utilize these notorious greenhouse gases. This paper presents a review of recent progress in the development of nickel-based catalysts for the DRM reaction. The enviable low cost and wide availability of nickel compared with noble metals is the main reason for persistent research efforts in optimizing the synthesis of nickel-based catalysts. Important catalyst features for the rational design of a coke-resistant nickel-based nanocatalyst for the DRM reaction are also discussed. In addition, several innovative developments based on salient features for the stabilization of nickel nanocatalysts through various means (which include functionalization with precursors, synthesis by plasma treatment, stabilization/confinement on mesoporous/microporous/carbon supports, and the formation of metal oxides) are highlighted. The final part of this review covers major issues and proposed improvement strategies pertaining to the rational design of nickel-based catalysts with high activity and stability for the DRM reaction.

Nano-socketed nickel particles with enhanced coking resistance grown in situ by redox exsolution

Metal particles supported on oxide surfaces are used as catalysts for a wide variety of processes in the chemical and energy conversion industries. For catalytic applications, metal particles are generally formed on an oxide support by physical or chemical deposition, or less commonly by exsolution from it. Although fundamentally different, both methods might be assumed to produce morphologically and functionally similar particles. Here we show that unlike nickel particles deposited on perovskite oxides, exsolved analogues are socketed into the parent perovskite, leading to enhanced stability and a significant decrease in the propensity for hydrocarbon coking, indicative of a stronger metal-oxide interface. In addition, we reveal key surface effects and defect interactions critical for future design of exsolution-based perovskite materials for catalytic and other functionalities. This study provides a new dimension for tailoring particle-substrate interactions in the context of increasing interest for emergent interfacial phenomena.

Recent advances in noble metal based composite nanocatalysts: colloidal synthesis, properties, and catalytic applications

This Review article provides a report on progress in the synthesis, properties and catalytic applications of noble metal based composite nanomaterials. We begin with a brief discussion on the categories of various composite materials. We then present some important colloidal synthetic approaches to the composite nanostructures; here, major attention has been paid to bimetallic nanoparticles. We also introduce some important physiochemical properties that are beneficial from composite nanomaterials. Finally, we highlight the catalytic applications of such composite nanoparticles and conclude with remarks on prospective future directions.

Distinctive size effects of Pt nanoparticles immobilized on Fe3O4@PPy used as an efficient recyclable catalyst for benzylic alcohol aerobic oxidation and hydrogenation reduction of nitroaromatics

Size effects of supported Pt nanoparticles were entirely different for benzylic alcohol aerobic oxidation and hydrogenation reduction of nitroaromatics.

Nickel nanocomposites: magnetic and catalytic properties

Nickel nanocomposites are obtained under solvothermal conditions by reduction of Ni^II on matrices of polyethylene (Pe) and chitosan (Ch). The composites are weak magnets and are active as catalysts for the hydrogen transfer reaction for acetophenone.

Facile ‘embedding’ of Au nanocrystals into silica spheres with controllable quantity for improved catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol

Gold nanocrystals ‘embedded’ in silica shells with high density have been developed, showing improved catalytic activity.

Highly durable carbon-supported Pt catalysts prepared by hydrosilane-assisted nanoparticle deposition and surface functionalization

Hydrosilane enabled the formation of Pt nanoparticles and the silane functionalization of a carbon support material in one pot.

Simultaneous tuning porosity and basicity of nickel@nickel-magnesium phyllosilicate core-shell catalysts for CO₂ reforming of CH₄

Ni@Ni-Mgphy (Ni-Mgphy = Ni-Mg phyllosilicate) core-shell catalysts were designed by hydrothermally treating Ni@SiO2 nanoparticles with magnesium nitrate salt. The porosity and basicity of the catalysts were easily tuned by forming Ni-Mgphy shell using Ni originating from Ni@SiO2 during the hydrothermal treatment process and Mg(NO3)2 as the Ni and Mg sources, respectively. Among Ni@Ni-Mgphy core-shell catalysts synthesized under different hydrothermal durations, the catalyst treated for 10 h achieved the best catalytic performance for CO2 reforming of CH4 reaction with stable CO2 and CH4 conversions of around 81% and 78%, respectively, within 95 h reaction duration at 700 °C. The high Ni accessibility, strong basicity, and high structural stability for Ni@Ni-Mgphy core-shell catalyst with 10 h treatment time accounted for its superb catalytic performance. This method to simultaneously tune the porosity and basicity of Ni@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles demonstrates a general way to modify the properties of other silica based core-shell nanoparticles through treating them with different metal salts.

Chemistry of precious metal oxides relevant to heterogeneous catalysis

The platinum group metals (PGMs) are widely employed as catalysts, especially for the mitigation of automotive exhaust pollutants. The low natural abundance of PGMs and increasing demand from the expanding automotive sector necessitates strategies to improve the efficiency of PGM use. Conventional catalysts typically consist of PGM nanoparticles dispersed on high surface area oxide supports. However, high PGM loadings must be used to counter sintering, ablation, and deactivation of the catalyst such that sufficient activity is maintained over the operating lifetime. An appealing strategy for reducing metal loading is the substitution of PGM ions into oxide hosts: the use of single atoms (ions) as catalytic active sites represents a highly atom-efficient alternative to the use of nanoparticles. This review addresses the crystal chemistry and reactivity of oxide compounds of precious metals that are, or could be relevant to developing an understanding of the role of precious metal ions in heterogeneous catalysis. We review the chemical conditions that facilitate stabilization of the notoriously oxophobic precious metals in oxide environments, and survey complex oxide hosts that have proven to be amenable to reversible redox cycling of PGMs.

Noble metal nanoparticle@metal oxide core/yolk-shell nanostructures as catalysts: recent progress and perspective

Controllable integration of noble metals (e.g., Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd) and metal oxides (e.g., TiO₂, CeO₂, and ZrO₂) into single nanostructures has attracted immense research interest in heterogeneous catalysis, because they not only combine the properties of both noble metals and metal oxides, but also bring unique collective and synergetic functions in comparison with single-component materials. Among many strategies recently developed, one of the most efficient ways is to encapsulate and protect individual noble metal nanoparticles by a metal oxide shell of a certain thickness to generate the core-shell or yolk-shell structure, which exhibits enhanced catalytic performance compared with conventional supported catalysts. In this review article, we summarize the state-of-the art progress in synthesis and catalytic application of noble metal nanoparticle@metal oxide core/yolk-shell nanostructures. We hope that this review will help the readers to obtain better insight into the design and application of well-defined nanocomposites in both the energy and environmental fields.

Efficient three-component coupling reactions catalyzed by Cu0-nanoparticles stabilized on modified montmorillonite

In situgeneration of Cu⁰-nanoparticles into the nanopores of environmentally benign modified montmorillonite clay and their catalytic performance in three component (A³) coupling reactions of aldehyde, amine and alkyne to synthesize propargylamines with excellent yields and selectivity.