AuPd bimetallic nanoparticles on TiO2: XRD, TEM, in situ EXAFS studies and catalytic activity in CO oxidation

Abstract

Monometallic Au, Pd and bimetallic AuPd nanoparticles were prepared from Au(III), Pd(II) precursor ions in aqueous media with reduction by a mixture of Na-citrate and tannin producing stable metal sols of narrow size distribution. The nanoparticles of 4–7 nm in diameter as indicated by transmission electron microscopy were adsorbed on TiO2. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at Au LIII and Pd K-edges and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques evidenced the presence of bimetallic particles in the supported AuPd/TiO2 sample. The high amount of organic residues of the samples was removed by calcination at 400 °C proved by temperature programmed oxidation (TPO). After reduction in H2 the TEM, XRD and the CO chemisorption showed some enlargement in the metal particle sizes. The catalytic activity of the bimetallic AuPd/TiO2 in the CO oxidation revealed a slight synergistic effect compared to the activity of monometallic analogous referred to the estimated surface area of Au and Pd in the bimetallic sample.