Engineering the Interface of Ceria and Silver Janus Nanoparticles for Enhanced Catalytic Performance in 4-Nitrophenol Conversion

In this work, we present a modified simultaneous growth and self-aggregation method that produces ceria and silver Janus nanoparticles for the conversion of 4-nitrophenol, a chemical widely used in several industries. The nanoparticles had cerium-to-silver ratios ranging from 0 to 1.35 and well-defined heterodimer morphologies. By controlling the growth conditions, we have manipulated the interface between ceria and silver, maximizing its exposure to the chemical reactants and increasing the reaction rate constants between 2-and 4-fold. Taken together, these results can inform the design rules to achieve better performing hybrid nanocatalysts.

Automated summary

In this study, a modified simultaneous growth and self-aggregation method was used to produce ceria and silver Janus nanoparticles for the conversion of 4-nitrophenol. By controlling the growth conditions, the interface between ceria and silver was manipulated, resulting in increased exposure to reactants and improved reaction rate constants. These findings provide design rules for better performing hybrid nanocatalysts.