Rev.Adv.Mater.Sci. (RAMS)
No 2, Vol. 30, 2012, pages 133-149

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATIONS OF BIMETALLIC
(Au-Ag, Au-Pt, Au-Ru) ALLOY NANOPARTICLES

Afzal Shah, Latif-ur-Rahman, Rumana Qureshi and Zia-ur-Rehman

Abstract

This review article describes the preparation and characterization of bimetallic alloy nanoparticles of Au-Ag, Au-Pt, and Au-Ru. The synthetic details of monometallic nanoparticles of Au, Ag, Ru, and Pt have been given for comparison. The main objective of this review is to clearly, quantitatively, and comprehensively describe the synthesis of bimetallic alloy nanoparticles and their characterization. A number of synthetic methods have been discussed in detail to provide the reader with an extensive knowledge of controlling the nanoparticle physical characteristics (size, size distribution, morphology). For getting valuable surface information, CO adsorption studies of all the three samples have also been presented. The application of bimetallic alloy nanoparticles as electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cell and their ability to oxidize methyl alcohol with 60% more efficiency than multi walled carbon nanotubes supported on monometallic Pt nanoparticle catalyst has also been discussed.

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