Abstract
This proposal aims at developing simple, effective, versatile, and environmentally friendly strategies for the synthesis of metallic and bimetallic nanomaterials with controllable and well-defined sizes, compositions, shapes and structures (solid vs. hollow interiors). In particular, we will focus on 2 systems: i) Pd nanocrystals having controllable shapes and sizes, i.e. cuboctahedra, cubes, octahedra, and plates; and ii) Ag-Pd and Pd-Pt bimetallic and/or hollow nanomaterials with defined shapes, sizes, compositions and structures. Following the synthesis of these materials, we will turn our attention to their application in areas that include heterogeneous catalysis (Suzuki coupling), electrocatalysis (oxygen reduction, ethanol oxidation, and formic acid oxidation reactions) and plasmonics (Surface-enhanced Raman scattering). In addition to the comparison of their performance in these applications relative to conventionally employed nanomaterials, we are especially interested in the systematic correlation between their properties and the physical/chemical parameters such as composition, structure, shape, electronic structure, and modifications of the active sites. The overall goal of this project is to employ simple yet precise chemical strategies as a platform to generate advanced nanomaterials capable of overcoming current challenges and display enhanced activities in areas that include the catalysis and electrocatalysis.
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