Pd–Au heterostructured nanonecklaces with adjustable interval and size as a superior catalyst for degradation of 4-nitrophenol

A facile method for the synthesis of Au-pearl/Pd-wire heterostructured nanonecklaces (APHNs) was developed for the first time, in which regular Au pearls with controllable size and interval distance were interlinked into a string by an ultrathin and ultralong Pd nanowire. The distribution density of Au nanopearls was regulated by the concentration of the reducing agent, while their size was controlled by the amount of the Au precursor. In the study of degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), the catalytic properties of several typical APHNs are proved to be inherently related to their morphology. By comparison with other nanostructures and commercial Pd/C, the APHNs show superior catalytic activities and better stability in general. The study demonstrated that novel heterostructures have superior catalytic properties in the degradation of 4-NP. Moreover, the nanostructures have the potential to be used as a high-efficiency catalyst in other catalytic reactions.