Aqueous controllable synthesis of spindle-like palladium nanoparticles and their application for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

In this study, an effective wet-chemical route was developed in an aqueous solution for the synthesis of spindle-like palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs). Spindle-like Pd NPs in high-yield were successfully synthesized by using cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) as surfactant and ascorbic acid (AA) as reduction reagent. The influence factors including the concentration of CTAC, AA, and NaI, as well as the reaction temperature for synthesis of spindle-like Pd NPs were systematically investigated. The formation mechanism of spindle-like Pd NPs was proposed on the basis of these experimental results. Spindle-like Pd NPs with high density of twins and sharp edges exhibit enhanced catalytic activities for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.