Rational Design of Multisite Trielement Ru–Ni–Fe Alloy Nanocatalysts with Efficient and Durable Catalytic Hydrogenation Performances

Abstract

The co-decomposition of non-noble metals into Ru nanoparticles (NPs) would provide multiple active centers as well as synergistically alter the reaction pathway, enhancing the catalytic hydrogenation performance. Herein, a facile route for synthesizing trielement Ru–Ni–Fe alloy NPs was proposed. The catalytic hydrogenation performance of NPs was measured using p-nitrophenol as a model. The synergistic effect of these three elements (Ru, Ni, and Fe) and synergistic catalysis of multiple crystal faces greatly improved the catalytic hydrogenation performance of Ru44Ni28Fe28 alloy NPs. Ru with more vacant orbitals showed a strong coordination with BH4 – for the generation of active H species. Ni played a major role in transporting electrons and active H species, increasing the accessibility of catalytically active sites. Fe could cooperate with BH4 – to produce active H species and promote electrons transfer. Ru44Ni28Fe28 alloy NPs could be reused and applied for the fabrication of films at the oil–water (ethyl acetate–water) interface. The densely packed Ru44Ni28Fe28 NP films were good Raman substrates for monitoring the complete conversion of 4-nitrothiophenol into 4-aminothiophenol. The rational design of Ru44Ni28Fe28 will broaden the application range of Ru-based catalysts and provide new insights into the rational design of other multisite alloy catalysts.

Plasmon-Enhanced Electroactivity of AuRu Nanostructures for Electroanalysis Applications

“…Ru atoms appeared not only in the center of NPs but also on the NP surface. Besides the sharp absorption peak at 270 nm of Ru NPs, a broad absorption cross section was also shown by AuRu NPs from 520 to 600 nm (Figure g), due to the LSPR properties of Au components.…”

“…The plasmon-resonant excitation of plasmonic nanomaterials is expected to trigger the generation of a high concentration of energy carriers. Platinum group metals (such as Pt, Ru, Pd, and Ir) with a high electronic density of states have been shown to exhibit exceptional electrocatalytic properties. − In particular, Ru NPs and their composite materials with controlled sizes and morphologies have shown remarkable catalytic hydrogenation performances. , However, to date, no studies have been reported for the plasmon-enhanced electroactivity of Ru NPs. There have been few studies on the electroactivity performances of Ru NPs under irradiation and the composites of Ru NPs and plasmonic NPs, and the mechanism underlying the electroactivity of these materials remains controversial.…”

“…11−13 In particular, Ru NPs and their composite materials with controlled sizes and morphologies have shown remarkable catalytic hydrogenation performances. 14,15 However, to date, no studies have been reported for the plasmon-enhanced electroactivity of Ru NPs. There have been few studies on the electroactivity performances of Ru NPs under irradiation and the composites of Ru NPs and plasmonic NPs, and the mechanism underlying the electroactivity of these materials remains controversial.…”

Dual Modification of Carbon Support Enables Robust Anchoring of Ruthenium Nanoclusters for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution and Aromatic Nitroreduction

“…[48] Inspired by the excellent activity of Ru 0.013 @NC f for anodic HER, we additionally investigated its catalytic activity toward ANR in a model system containing p-nitrophenol (p-NP) and sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ) at room temperature. As suggested by the control experiment and literature report, [28] p-NP cannot be hydrogenated or reduced by using NaBH 4 alone. Nevertheless, after adding Ru 0.013 @NC f as catalyst, the yellow color of the p-NP/NaBH 4 mixture quickly faded.…”

“…(ANRs). [26][27][28] Nevertheless, advanced catalyst design still remains challenging. First, many of Ru-based nanostructures may suffer from serious aggregation during catalysis and hence exhibit poor durability.…”