Strong dual-metal-support interactions induced by low-temperature plasma phenomenon

• Published in: Materials today. Nano Vol. 18; p. 100213
• Main Authors: Al Zoubi, W., Nashrah, N., Putri, R.A.K., Allaf, A.W., Assfour, B., Ko, Y.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-06-2022
• Subjects: Carbonyl-compound; Catalyst; Hydrogenation; Nanoparticle; Nitro-compound; Nanoparticle; Hydrogenation; Carbonyl-compound; Catalyst; Nitro-compound
• ISSN: 2588-8420; 2588-8420
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtnano.2022.100213

Supported bimetallic nanoparticles have important industrial applications. However, the direct synthesis of intermetallic alloy nanocatalysts against sintering and aggregation on porous support materials via strong metal-support interactions (SMSIs) remains challenging. Herein, we report a novel synthesis strategy used to achieve low-temperature-plasma-induced SMSIs on a MgO-supported MAg (M = Cu, Fe, or Ni) system by focusing an electric field at a localized interface. The electric-field-controlled discharge plasma intrinsically promoted the formation of a porous MgO structure. This unique structure comprised partially encapsulated MAg nanoparticles (NPs) with a porous MgO layer and co-localized M and Ag NPs in close proximity. Owing to the uniform size distribution of the intermetallic NPs and the unique surface properties of the porous support, the resulting MAg@MgO catalysts exhibited high activity and excellent reusability toward the reduction of nitro and carbonyl groups. In particular, the conversion efficiency of CuAg@MgO (100% after 20 s) was significantly higher than that of the most commonly used catalysts; moreover, its activity did not decrease after 20 cycles of cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation. We believe that this synthesis route provides a universal method for designing and preparing high-activity supported metal catalysts.
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