Novel AuPd nanostructures for hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene

Exotic AuPd bimetallic nanoflowers (NFs) are facilely synthesized using a microorganism-mediated, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC)-directed method at room temperature. The NFs consist of one-dimensional long pedicels and three-dimensional open horns. The effect of cell dosage and feed concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA), CTAC and metal precursors on the morphology of the bimetallic nanostructures were studied. The results showed that all the obtained materials were alloys with Pd-enriched surfaces. The diameters of the horns decreased, while those of the pedicels increased with increasing the feed concentration of Pd precursor. The presence of Pd precursor was vital for the formation of the nanowire part of the NF structure. Furthermore, the AuPd-NF/microorganism materials exhibited excellent catalytic performance and durability toward the hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene.