Preparation of novel Au/Pt/Ag trimetallic nanoparticles and their high catalytic activity for aerobic glucose oxidation

Au/Pt/Ag trimetallic nanoparticles (TNPs) of 1.5 nm in diameter were synthesized by reduction of the corresponding ions with rapid injection of NaBH4, and characterized by UV–vis, TEM and line EDS in HR-STEM. The catalytic activity for aerobic glucose oxidation of the TNPs is several times higher than that of Au NPs with nearly the same particle size. The alloy structured TNPs have the highest turnover frequency value for aerobic glucose oxidation among dispersed metal nanoparticles (NPs) ever reported.

The synthesis and characterization of 1.5 nm-diameter Au/Pt/Ag nanoparticles are reported. The catalytic activity for glucose oxidation of the nanoparticles is the highest among those of ever reported dispersion catalysts.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (218 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Highly active and durable Au/Pt/Ag trimetallic nanoparticle (TNP) catalysts.
► Preparation of the TNPs of 1.5 nm in diameter by rapid injection of NaBH4.
► Several times higher catalytic activity of the TNPs than that of Au nanoparticles.
► The highest activity for glucose oxidation among those ever reported colloidal catalysts.
► Not only a high instantaneous catalytic activity but also a high long-time stability.