title: Synthesis of dispersible Pd@CeO(2) core-shell nanostructures by self-assembly.
abstract: A methodology is described for the preparation of Pd@CeO(2) core-shell nanostructures that are easily dispersible in common organic solvents. The method involves the synthesis of Pd nanoparticles protected by a monolayer of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA). The carboxylic groups on the nanoparticle surfaces are used to direct the self-assembly of a cerium(IV) alkoxide around the metal particles, followed by the controlled hydrolysis to form CeO(2). The characterization of the nanostructures by means of different techniques, in particular by electron microscopy, allowed us to demonstrate the nature of core-shell systems, with CeO(2) nanocrystals forming a shell around the MUA-protected Pd core. Finally, an example of the use of these nanostructures as flexible precursors for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts is reported by investigating the reactivity of Pd@CeO(2)/Al(2)O(3) nanocomposites toward CO oxidation, water-gas shift (WGS), and methanol steam reforming reactions. Together with CO adsorption data, these observations suggest the accessibility of the Pd phase in the nanocomposites.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 311A Towne Building, 220 South 33rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cargnello
authors.forename: Noah L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Wieder
authors.forename: Tiziano
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Montini
authors.forename: Raymond J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Gorte
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fornasiero