Noble metal-based bimetallic nanoparticles: the effect of the structure on the optical, catalytic and photocatalytic properties

Adriana Zaleska-Medynska; Martyna Marchelek; Magdalena Diak; Ewelina Grabowska

doi:10.1016/j.cis.2015.12.008

Noble metal-based bimetallic nanoparticles: the effect of the structure on the optical, catalytic and photocatalytic properties

Adv Colloid Interface Sci. 2016 Mar:229:80-107. doi: 10.1016/j.cis.2015.12.008. Epub 2015 Dec 21.

Authors

Adriana Zaleska-Medynska¹, Martyna Marchelek², Magdalena Diak², Ewelina Grabowska²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Environmental Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63 Str., 80-308 Gdansk, Poland. Electronic address: adriana.zaleska@ug.edu.pl.
² Department of Environmental Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63 Str., 80-308 Gdansk, Poland.

PMID: 26805520
DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2015.12.008

Abstract

Nanoparticles composed of two different metal elements show novel electronic, optical, catalytic or photocatalytic properties from monometallic nanoparticles. Bimetallic nanoparticles could show not only the combination of the properties related to the presence of two individual metals, but also new properties due to a synergy between two metals. The structure of bimetallic nanoparticles can be oriented in random alloy, alloy with an intermetallic compound, cluster-in-cluster or core-shell structures and is strictly dependent on the relative strengths of metal-metal bond, surface energies of bulk elements, relative atomic sizes, preparation method and conditions, etc. In this review, selected properties, such as structure, optical, catalytic and photocatalytic of noble metals-based bimetallic nanoparticles, are discussed together with preparation routes. The effects of preparation method conditions as well as metal properties on the final structure of bimetallic nanoparticles (from alloy to core-shell structure) are followed. The role of bimetallic nanoparticles in heterogeneous catalysis and photocatalysis are discussed. Furthermore, structure and optical characteristics of bimetallic nanoparticles are described in relation to the some features of monometallic NPs. Such a complex approach allows to systematize knowledge and to identify the future direction of research.

Keywords: Alloys; Bimetallic nanoparticles; Catalysis; Core–shell; Noble metal; Photocatalysis; Surface plasmon resonance (SPR).

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't