From Single Molecules to Nanostructured Functional Materials: Formation of a Magnetic Foam Catalyzed by Pd@FexO Heterodimers

Abstract

Multicomponent nanostructures containing purely organic or inorganic as well as hybrid organic–inorganic components connected through a solid interface are, unlike conventional spherical particles, able to combine different or even incompatible properties within a single entity. They are multifunctional and resemble molecular amphiphiles, like surfactants or block copolymers, which makes them attractive for the self-assembly of complex structures, drug delivery, bioimaging, or catalysis. We have synthesized Pd@FexO heterodimer nanoparticles (NPs) to fabricate a macroporous, hydrophobic, magnetically active, three-dimensional (3D), and template-free hybrid foam capable of repeatedly separating oil contaminants from water. The Pd domains in the Pd@FexO heterodimers act as nanocatalysts for the hydrosilylation of polyhydrosiloxane and tetravinylsilane, while the FexO component confers magnetic properties to the final functional material. Pd@FexO heterodimers were synthesized by heterogeneous nucleation and g...