Synthesis and catalytic properties of highly porous Ag-Rh nanocages

Ag-Rh nanocages are synthesised by a facile method at 190 °C using Ag nanocubes and Na 3 RhCl 6 as sacrificial templates and precursor, respectively. Upon introduction of Na 3 RhCl 6 into Ag nanocube suspension in ethylene glycol (EG) with poly(vinylpyrrolidone), Rh(III) ions are reduced by EG and Ag atoms via galvanic reaction; simultaneously, the released Ag(I) ions are reduced by EG. The reduction and co-deposition of both Ag and Rh atoms result in the formation of highly porous Ag-Rh nanocages when high volume of Na 3 RhCl 6 is introduced. The Ag-Rh nanocages with Ag:Rh atomic ratio of 54.2:45.8 exhibit good catalytic activity toward the degradation of rhodamine 6G, reduction of 4-nitrophenol, and decomposition of hydrazine.