Synthesis of graphene quantum dots stabilized bimetallic AgRh nanoparticles and their applications

Abstract

The design and synthesis of highly efficient and ultrafine bimetallic nanoparticles catalysts is challenging. Here we report the synthesis of AgRh bimetallic nanoparticles (AgRh BNPs) stabilized by graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and their exceptional catalytic activities in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol, 2,4-dinitrophenol and 4-nitrobenzene diazonium tetrafluoroborate and generation of hydroxyl radicals. Construction of AgRh BNPs nanocomposites is accomplished by mixing of GQDs and sodium borohydride, followed by the addition of simple commercial Ag and Rh salt at 0 °C in water. Among them, AgRh BNPs 4 exhibits excellent catalytic performance owing to a positive synergistic effects between the Ag and Rh atoms on GQDs, and its catalytic activity is better than those of both monometallic counterparts.