A one-pot route to the synthesis of alloyed Cu/Ag bimetallic nanoparticles with different mass ratios for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Copper-based alloy nanoparticles (NPs) have recently triggered much research interest for the development of low-cost and high-performance bimetallic catalysts that have industrial applications. Here, we present alloyed Cu/Ag bimetallic NPs synthesized by a facial one-pot reduction method. The catalytic properties of these prepared Cu/Ag bimetallic NPs with different ratios have been investigated by reducing 4-nitrophenol (Nip) into 4-aminophenol (Amp) in the presence of NaBH₄. In comparison with pristine Ag monometallic NPs, alloyed Cu/Ag bimetallic NPs exhibit high catalytic performance on the reduction of Nip. The current synthesis method of Cu/Ag bimetallic NPs does not require rigorous conditions or toxic agents, and thus it is a rapid, efficient, and green approach for the fabrication of active bimetallic catalysts.