Au-Pt bimetallic nanoparticles supported on nest-like MnO sub(2): synthesis and application in HCHO decomposition

Facile synthesis of Au-Pt bimetallic nanoparticles (Au sub(1-x)Pt sub(x) NPs) and mixtures of Au NPs and Pt NPs ((100 % - y)Au/yPt NPs) and their subsequent deposition on nest-like MnO sub(2) nanostructures were presented. The as-prepared products were characterized by means of UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. TEM analyses showed that noble metal NPs were evenly dispersed on the surface of nest-like MnO sub(2) nanostructures and no agglomeration was observed. The as-prepared metal NPs supported catalysts showed higher catalytic activities than MnO sub(2) nanostructures for oxidative decomposition of formaldehyde (HCHO). The forms of noble metal NPs and Au/Pt molar ratio have significant effects on the catalytic performance, and Au sub(0.5)Pt sub(0.5)/MnO sub(2) has the highest catalytic activity among all the as-prepared metal NPs supported MnO sub(2) catalysts, and the temperature for complete decomposition of HCHO reached as low as 313 K. The high catalytic activities of Au sub(1-x)Pt sub(x) /MnO sub(2) catalysts resulted from the synergistic effect between Au sub(1-x) Pt sub(x) NPs and MnO sub(2) nanostructure, as well as the synergistic effect between Au and Pt. The current Au sub(1-x)Pt sub(x)/MnO sub(2) catalysts are among the first trials to apply bimetallic NP-supported catalysts to the decomposition of HCHO, and proved that the Au sub(1-x) Pt sub(x)/MnO sub(2) catalysts are promising for indoor decomposition of formaldehyde due to their easy synthesis, low cost, and excellent catalytic performance.