One-step in situ synthesis of NHx-adsorbed rhodium nanocrystals at liquid–liquid interfaces for possible electrocatalytic applications

Nearly monodisperse rhodium nanoparticles with adsorbed NHx were synthesized at the CCl4–water interface. The presence of NHx-adsorbed species was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies. The synthesis of controlled size 2–38 nm rhodium particles was studied as a function of reducing agent concentration by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HRTEM confirmed the formation of rhodium nanoparticles having fringe spacing consistent with reported Rh (1 1 1) planes. The continuity of these films over an area of 1 × 1 μm was revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies. The electrocatalytic application of these nanostructure Rh-NHx thin films for formaldehyde oxidation in 0.5 M NaOH was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The Rh nanoparticles formed by the present strategy are expected to be useful for other catalytic applications also.

Graphical abstractSpace confinement in LLIRT is a superior technique for depositing nanoparticulate materials in an ultrathin film form as shown for rhodium films in this paper.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (66 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► One-step in situ synthesis of nanomaterial. ► In situ product of reaction can be conveniently used to arrest the growth of the particles by space confinement. ► This technique can be extended to obtain nanoparticulate thin films of other materials as well.