Issue 20, 2018

Rational design and synthesis of bifunctional metal nanocrystals for probing catalytic reactions by surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Abstract

This report highlights recent progress in the rational design, synthesis, and applications of bimetallic nanocrystals with integrated SERS and catalytic activities. The ultimate goal is to develop bifunctional nanocrystals as a SERS probe for monitoring a catalytic reaction in situ. We first introduce seeded growth as a facile and powerful route to the syntheses of bifunctional nanocrystals with catalytic activities arising from Au or Pd, in addition to plasmonic properties originating from Ag or Au. Specifically, we discuss two distinctive pathways, namely conformal and site-selected deposition of a second metal on the surface of a noble-metal nanocrystal seed, for the fabrication of bifunctional nanocrystals with controlled composition and morphology. We then discuss the application of these bifunctional nanocrystals as unique probes for in situ SERS monitoring of the Au or Pd-catalyzed reduction of 4-nitrothiophenol to 4-aminothiophenol by NaBH4 and the Ag-catalyzed oxidation of 4-aminothiophenol to trans-4,4′-dimercaptoazobenzene by the O2 from air. We conclude this review with perspectives on the future development.

Graphical abstract: Rational design and synthesis of bifunctional metal nanocrystals for probing catalytic reactions by surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
23 3 2018
Accepted
02 5 2018
First published
03 5 2018

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2018,6, 5353-5362

Author version available

Rational design and synthesis of bifunctional metal nanocrystals for probing catalytic reactions by surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Y. Zhang, Y. Wu and D. Qin, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2018, 6, 5353 DOI: 10.1039/C8TC01394B

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