Synthesis and Characterization of Core-Shell Cu-Ru, Cu-Rh, and Cu-Ir Nanoparticles

Optimizing the use of expensive precious metals iscritical to developing sustainable and low-cost processes forheterogeneous catalysis or electrochemistry. Here, we report asynthesis method that yields core-shell Cu-Ru, Cu-Rh, and Cu-Irnanoparticles with the platinum-group metals segregated on thesurface. The synthesis of Cu-Ru, Cu-Rh, and Cu-Ir particles allowsmaximization of the surface area of these metals and improvescatalytic performance. Furthermore, the Cu core can be selectivelyetched to obtain nanoshells of the platinum-group metalcomponents, leading to a further increase in the active surfacearea. Characterization of the samples was performed with X-rayabsorption spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and ex situ andin situ transmission electron microscopy. CO oxidation was usedas a reference reaction: the three core-shell particles and derivatives exhibited promising catalyst performance and stability afterredox cycling. These results suggest that this synthesis approach may optimize the use of platinum-group metals in catalyticapplications.

Automated summary

In this study, we report a synthesis method for the preparation of core-shell Cu-Ru, Cu-Rh, and Cu-Ir nanoparticles, with copper as the core and platinum-group metals segregated on the surface. This synthesis method allows for an increase in the surface area of the metals and improves catalytic performance. Additionally, selective etching of the Cu core leads to an increase in active surface area.