Compositional tuning of gas-phase synthesized Pd-Cu nanoparticles.

Bimetallic nanoparticles have gained significant attention in catalysis as potential alternatives to expensive catalysts based on noble metals. In this study, we investigate the compositional tuning of Pd-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles using a physical synthesis method called spark ablation. By utilizing pure and alloyed electrodes in different configurations, we demonstrate the ability to tailor the chemical composition of nanoparticles within the range of approximately 80 : 20 at% to 40 : 60 at% (Pd : Cu), measured using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and transmission electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDXS). Time-resolved XRF measurements revealed a shift in composition throughout the ablation process, potentially influenced by material transfer between electrodes. Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed the predominantly fcc phase of the nanoparticles while high-resolution TEM and scanning TEM-EDXS confirmed the mixing of Pd and Cu within individual nanoparticles. X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopy were used to analyze the outermost atomic layers of the nanoparticles, which is highly important for catalytic applications. Such comprehensive analyses offer insights into the formation and structure of bimetallic nanoparticles and pave the way for the development of efficient and affordable catalysts for various applications.

Branched-gallium phosphide nanowires seeded by palladium nanoparticles.

Palladium nanoparticles were produced by a chemical reagent-free and versatile method called spark ablation with control over particle size and density. These nanoparticles were used as catalytic seed particles for gallium phosphide nanowire growth by metalorganic vapour-phase epitaxy. Controlled growth of GaP nanowires using significantly small Pd nanoparticles between 10 and 40 nm diameter was achieved by varying several growth parameters. Low V/III ratios below 2.0 promote higher Ga incorporation into the Pd nanoparticles. Moderate growth temperatures under 600 °C avoid kinking and undesirable GaP surface growth. In addition, a second batch of palladium nanoparticles of concentration up to 1000 particlesµm-2was deposited onto the GaP nanowires. Subsequently, three-dimensional nanostructures evolved, with branches growing along the surface of the GaP nanowires. The GaP nanowires revealed a zinc blende structure with multiple twinning and a PdGa phase at the tip of the nanowires and branches.

Stability of supported aerosol-generated nanoparticles in liquid media.

The stability of nanoparticles and their supports are critical, but poorly understood, parameters for applications of such systems in liquid environments. Here we develop an approach to systematically investigate the stability of aerosol-generated nanoparticles after exposure to commonly used solvents using a combination of identical location-SEM and density/size analysis. We demonstrate that the choice of solvent needs to be carefully matched with both the particle and support materials. We show that thermal annealing significantly increases the adhesion of the particles and expands the scope of applications in aqueous media and for biological applications. The results clarify combinations of inorganic nanoparticles on oxide and semiconductor supports with solvents and environmental conditions that give sufficient stability. Combined, the presented methods should be of value in investigating the stability of nanoparticle systems after exposure to solvent and can be used for future developments of high-performing supported aerosol-generated nanoparticles for solvent-based applications.

Emissions and exposures of graphene nanomaterials, titanium dioxide nanofibers, and nanoparticles during down-stream industrial handling.

Today, engineered nanomaterials are frequently used. Nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been extensively used for many years and graphene is one type of emerging nanomaterial. Occupational airborne exposures to engineered nanomaterials are important to ensure safe workplaces and to extend the information needed for complete risk assessments. The main aim of this study was to characterize workplace emissions and exposure of graphene nanoplatelets, graphene oxide, TiO2 nanofibers (NFs) and nanoparticles (NPs) during down-stream industrial handling. Surface contaminations were also investigated to assess the potential for secondary inhalation exposures. In addition, a range of different sampling and aerosol monitoring methods were used and evaluated. The results showed that powder handling, regardless of handling graphene nanoplatelets, graphene oxide, TiO2 NFs, or NPs, contributes to the highest particle emissions and exposures. However, the exposure levels were below suggested occupational exposure limits. It was also shown that a range of different methods can be used to selectively detect and quantify nanomaterials both in the air and as surface contaminations. However, to be able to make an accurate determination of which nanomaterial that has been emitted a combination of different methods, both offline and online, must be used.

Bimetallic Nanoparticles as a Model System for an Industrial NiMo Catalyst.

An in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanism is required for the further development of Mo-based catalysts for biobased feedstocks. However, fundamental studies of industrial catalysts are challenging, and simplified systems are often used without direct comparison to their industrial counterparts. Here, we report on size-selected bimetallic NiMo nanoparticles as a candidate for a model catalyst that is directly compared to the industrial system to evaluate their industrial relevance. Both the nanoparticles and industrial supported NiMo catalysts were characterized using surface- and bulk-sensitive techniques. We found that the active Ni and Mo metals in the industrial catalyst are well dispersed and well mixed on the support, and that the interaction between Ni and Mo promotes the reduction of the Mo oxide. We successfully produced 25 nm NiMo alloyed nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution. Characterization of the nanoparticles showed that they have a metallic core with a native oxide shell with a high potential for use as a model system for fundamental studies of hydrotreating catalysts for biobased feedstocks.