Radiolytic synthesis of Pd–M (M = Ag, Au, Cu, Ni and Pt) alloy nanoparticles and their use in reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP, stabilized Pd–M (M = Ag, Au, Cu, Ni and Pt) alloy colloids are successfully prepared by γ-irradiation in aqueous solution. PVP-stabilized Pd–M colloids are characterized by field-emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). The catalytic efficiency of Pd and Pd–M alloy colloids is analyzed for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol in aqueous solution at room temperature. The catalytic efficiency of Pd–M alloy nanoparticles takes the following order: Pd > Pd–Cu ∼ Pd–Ni > Pd–Ag ∼ Pd–Au > Pd–Pt.