Enhanced reduction reaction by Cu–Ag core-shell nanowire catalyst

Abstract

The synthesis of well-defined copper core-silver shell nanowire by a modified hydrothermal method followed by immersion coating process is reported here. The HRTEM image of the individual Cu–Ag core-shell nanowire successfully demonstrates that the silver nanocrystals were effectively deposited over the surface of Cu nanowires, resulting in a core-shell structure by the immersion coating process. The catalytic performance of the prepared copper core-silver shell nanowires with different ratios have been investigated by taking the reduction of para nitrophenol to para aminophenol in presence of sodium borohydride as the model reaction. The Cu–Ag core-shell nanowires show remarkable catalytic activity toward the reduction of p-nitrophenol at room temperature with a maximum apparent rate constant value of 0.216 min−1. In comparison with the monometallic copper nanowires, the Cu–Ag core-shell nanowires exhibit 3.5 times enhancement in the catalytic performance and good recyclability for at least three cycles of the reduction reaction. Copper core-silver shell nanowire: a potential catalyst for the reduction of paranitrophenol was developed by a modified hydrothermal method followed by immersion coating process. Remarkable catalytic activity with a maximum apparent rate constant value of 0.216 min−1 was obtained. The use of eco-friendly reducing agent and the high purity synthetic approach makes this work significant.