Metallic CoNi nanoparticles anchored on heteroatom-doped carbon/MnO nanowires for improved catalytic performance

Abstract

Anchoring bimetallic alloys in a one-dimensional(1D) heteroatom-doped carbon matrix with excellent electro-conductibility is a powerful strategy for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Herein, we report the design and fabrication of CoNi bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) decorated on N, P, and S-doped carbon/MnO nanowires (NWs) as an active catalyst for the reduction of 4-NP. The CoNi bimetallic NPs enable the full utilization of accessible edge sites, and the unique 1D framework creates a large surface area, exposing abundant active sites and providing a fast charge/ionic diffusion pathway. Moreover, the synergistic electronic interaction between the CoNi NPs and N, P and S co-doped carbon layer leads to optimal electronic structures and good adhesion ability, thus facilitating the catalytic performance. As a result, the obtained CoNi decorated on N, P, and S-doped carbon/MnO NWs exhibited superior catalytic activities in the reduction of 4-NP as well as robust stability in catalyst recycling. This work highlights the effect of rationally constructing a 1D bimetallic catalyst.