Preparation of an efficient NiAuPd/graphene nanocatalyst via one-pot reaction

•The NiAuPd/G nanocatalyst was prepared by one-step hydrothermal synthesis.•Reduction of graphene oxide and the reduction of metal ions perform simultaneously.•The NiAuPd/G nanocatalyst has been successfully applied as a stable and low-cost catalyst.•This nanocatalyst might lead to a new approach to develop cost-effective and highly efficient solid catalysts. The NiAuPd/G nanocatalyst was prepared by one-pot hydrothermal synthesis. The compositional analysis, structural characterization, morphology and performance of the resulting synthetic catalyst were done by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM). In addition, catalytic activities of the NiAuPd/G catalyst was investigated. It is found that the NiAuPd/graphene exhibits a perfect crystal structure. The NiAuPd/graphene exhibits a high catalytic activity for the dehydrogenation of formic acid at room temperature and without additives.