In situ synthesis of bimetallic hybrid nanocatalysts on a paper-structured matrix for catalytic applications

Bimetallic nanoparticles have attracted significant attention as their electrochemical and catalytic properties being superior to those of the individual component nanoparticles. In this study, gold-silver hybrid nanoparticles (AuAgNPs) with an Au_core-Ag_shell nanostructure were successfully synthesized on zinc oxide (ZnO) whiskers. The as-prepared nanocatalyst, denoted AuAgNPs^@ZnO whisker, exhibits an excellent catalytic efficiency in the aqueous reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol; the turnover frequency was up to 40 times higher than that of each component nanoparticle. Their unique features were attributed to the electronic ligand effect at the bimetallic interface. In addition, the AuAgNPs were synthesized on a ZnO whisker-containing paper with a fiber-network microstructure, which was prepared via a papermaking technique. The paper-structured AuAgNPs composite possessed both a paper-like practical utility and a good catalytic performance. Furthermore, the on-paper synthesis process for these bimetallic nanocatalysts is facile. These easy-to-handle nanocatalyst hybrid composites are expected to find a wide range of applications in various chemical and catalytic processes.