l-Lysine-assisted fabrication of PdxPt1−x/Ni(OH)2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) hybrids with composition-dependent catalytic properties

Abstract

A fast and facile self-assembly method has been developed to deposit 3–5 nm sized Pd_xPt_1−x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanoparticles (NPs) on Ni(OH)₂ nanosheets. The biomolecule L-lysine has been used here as the linker to hybridize Pd_xPt_1−x NPs and Ni(OH)₂ nanosheets together. The catalytic properties of the obtained Pd_xPt_1−x/Ni(OH)₂ hybrids were evaluated by employing the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) by NaBH₄ as a model reaction. The results reveal that the stability, activity and recyclability of Pd_xPt_1−x NPs have been remarkably enhanced after being supported on Ni(OH)₂ nanosheets. Moreover, the influence of the composition of noble metals on the catalytic properties has been studied in depth and Pd_0.5Pt_0.5/Ni(OH)₂ hybrids show the optimal catalytic properties.