Metal nanoparticles entrapped in metal matrices

Abstract

We developed synthetic methods for the doping of metals (M) with metallic nanoparticles (NPs). To the best of our knowledge – unlike oxides, polymers and carbon-based supports – metals were not used so far as supporting matrices for metallic NPs. The composites (denoted M1-NPs@M2) comprise two separate phases: the metallic NPs (the dopant) and the entrapping 3D porous metallic matrix, within which the NPs are intimately held and well dispersed. Two different general synthetic strategies were developed, each resulting in a group of materials with characteristic structure and properties. The first strategy uses pre-prepared NPs and these are entrapped during reductive formation of the metallic matrix from its cation. The second strategy is in situ growth of the doped metallic NPs within the pre-prepared entrapping metallic matrix. These two methods were developed for two types of entrapping metallic matrices with different morphologies: porous aggregated metallic matrices and metallic foams. The leading case in this study was the use of Pt as the NP dopant and Ag as the entrapping matrix, using all of the four combinations – entrapment or growth within aggregated Ag or Ag foam matrices. Full physical and chemical properties analysis of these novel types of materials was carried out, using a wide variety of analytical methods. The generality of the methods developed for these bi-metallic composites was investigated and demonstrated on additional metallic pairs: Au NPs within Ag matrices, Pd NPs within Ni matrices and Ir-NPs within a Rh matrix. As the main application of metallic NPs is in catalysis, the catalytic activity of M1-NPs@M2 is demonstrated successfully for entrapped Pt within Ag for reductive catalytic reactions, and for Pd within Ni for the electrocatalytic hydrogen oxidation reaction.