Synthesis of layer-deposited silicon nanowires, modification with Pd nanoparticles, and their excellent catalytic activity and stability in the reduction of methylene blue

Agglomeration of nanoparticles during the preparation and utilization of nanocatalysts remains a problem. Here, we synthesized layer-deposited silicon nanowires and modified them with Pd nanoparticles on the surface. These Pd/Si catalysts were used in the reduction of methylene blue in the presence of sodium borohydride, which enhanced reaction rate by 30 times compared with unsupported Pd nanoparticles. They were also provided with more excellent stability than polymer-supported Pd. The catalytic rate of the catalysts only decreased by 20% when the cyclic time was up to 50.