The synthesis and catalytic activity of bimetallic CuAg nanoparticles and their magnetic hybrid composite materials

Abstract

Bimetallic CuAg nanoparticles were synthesized using uric acid as a stabilizer, Fe₃O₄ loaded CuAg nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄–CuAg NPs) were also fabricated, and the morphology and content of both CuAg NPs and Fe₃O₄–CuAg NPs were investigated. The bimetallic CuAg NPs can be used as a catalyst and exhibited superior catalytic performance in the hydrogenation of nitrophenols and potassium ferricyanide(III). Notably, the bimetallic CuAg NPs and Fe₃O₄–CuAg NPs showed better catalytic activity compared with the same amount of Ag NPs in the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol, with rate constants k of 20.02 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹ and 20.19 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹, respectively. The magnetic Fe₃O₄–CuAg NPs can be re-used as a catalyst at least five times, promoting the concept of recycling by improving the deficiency in the disposable use of colloidal nanoparticles.