High‐Indexed Pt3Fe Nanocatalysts and Their Enhanced Catalytic Performance in Dual Organic Reactions

Abstract

The synthesis of noble metal nanocrystals terminated with high‐index facets has received increasing attention due to the remarkable improvement in their catalytic performance. Introducing a transition metal to noble metals (bimetallic nanocrystals) could result in a reduced cost and potentially improve properties. Keeping in mind both of these advantages, we have developed a new synthetic approach to fabricate size‐controlled Pt3Fe concave nanocubes using a high‐temperature organic solution system containing oleylamine and oleic acid. It further demonstrates that the particle size and concavity could be controlled by a number of parameters such as the ratio of oleylamine and oleic acid, the physicochemical properties of the metal carbonyl, the metal valence in the precursor, and the ratio of metal precursors. Catalytic tests show that the high‐index‐surface‐terminated ≈12 nm Pt3Fe concave nanocubes exhibit superior performance in both the hydrogenation of styrene and reduction of 4‐nitrophenol in comparison with their counterparts.Monodisperse Pt3Fe concave nanocubes with high‐index surfaces and a combination of sub‐facets {hk0} were synthesized using a high‐temperature solution approach, and show the highest turnover frequency for the hydrogenation of styrene and a promoted reaction rate for 4‐nitrophenol reduction in comparison with their counterparts.