A review of significant factors in the synthesis of hetero-structured dumbbell-like nanoparticles

This paper reviews several important factors that influence the synthesis of dumbbell-like nanoparticles, which can significantly enhance the catalyst activity in catalytic combustion. The dumbbell-like nanoparticles discussed in this article refer to a hetero-structure with two nanoparticles of different materials in contact with each other. This nanostructure can be considered as a special intermediate between individual spherical nanoparticles and a core–shell nanostructure. Therefore, the synthesis of dumbbell-like nanoparticles is more difficult than other structures. The controllability of the synthesis process, the nanoparticle size and size distribution, and the morphology of the final products depend on many factors: the seed size and size ratio could be used to influence the controllability of epitaxial growth. The component sizes and size distribution could be varied by carefully controlling the reaction temperature and reaction time. The morphology of the dumbbell-like nanoparticles is closely related to the solvent polarity, the precursor ratio, the lattice mismatch between the two components, and the surfactant concentration. Some related synthesis methods are also briefly introduced in each section to facilitate understanding. This summary will benefit the development of new dumbbell-like nanoparticles with various components, which have great potential in catalytic combustion of more dysoxidizable gases.

Graphical AbstractThis article reviews some significant factors in the synthesis of dumbbell-like nanoparticles, including seed size and size ratio, reaction temperature and time, solvent polarity, precursor ratio, lattice mismatch, and surfactant concentration.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide