Clean synthesis of Cu2O@CeO2 core@shell nanocubes with highly active interface

Abstract

The fabrication of multi-component hybrid nanostructures is of vital importance because their two-phase interface could provide a rich environment for redox reactions, which are beneficial for enhancing catalytic performance. Inspired by the above consideration, strongly coupled Cu2O@CeO2 core@shell nanostructures have been successfully prepared via a non-organic and clean aqueous route without using any organic additive. In this process, an auto-catalytic redox reaction occurred on the two-phase interface, followed by a triggered self-assembly process. Additionally, the size, morphology and composition of the as-obtained nanostructures can be tuned well by varying the reaction temperature, as well as the species and the amount of Cu precursors. The catalytic tests for peroxidase-like activity and CO oxidation have been conducted in detail, and the results confirm a strong synergistic effect at the interface sites between the CeO2 and Cu2O components. A clean means of synthesizing Cu2O–CeO2 core–shell nanocubes with a highly catalytically active interface has been found by a team in China. Hybrid nanostructures consisting of multiple components are vitally important since the interfaces between the components can support rich redox reactions, which lead to enhanced catalytic performance. The method developed by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences involves two stages: an autocatalytic reaction on the two interfaces followed by triggered self-assembly. The method is inorganic, using only water as a solvent. In addition, it is straightforward, rapid and inexpensive. The researchers anticipate that the new process will allow better design and preparation of noble-metal-free nanocatalysts that potentially can be used in a wide range of applications. Strongly coupled and uniform Cu2O@CeO2 core@shell cubes with highly active interface are successfully fabricated via a 'clean synthetic process'. The final hybrid nanostructure formation is highly dependent on the species of Cu precursors as well as the synthetic temperatures. Finally the as-obtained 155 nm cubes exhibit the highest catalytic activity in the catalytic CO oxidation and the peroxidase-like activity test.