Synergy in the Catalytic Activity of Bimetallic Nanoparticles and New Synthetic Methods for the Preparation of Fine Chemicals

Metal nanoparticles receive tremendous interest as alternative catalysts in a quest to fill the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis with selective and sophisticated reactions that occur in highly recyclable and scalable processes. In this area of research that is growing rapidly, we would like to focus on bimetallic nanoparticles and on how these particular materials have been used recently as nanocatalysts in fine-chemicals synthesis and transformations. The synergistic effects observed with these nanocatalysts, either as nanoalloys or core-shell objects, that accounts for their superior activity and efficiency are discussed.