A Rapid Synthesis Method for Au, Pd, and Pt Aerogels Via Direct Solution-Based Reduction

Summary

A rapid, direct solution-based reduction synthesis method to obtain Au, Pd, and Pt aerogels is presented.

Abstract

Here, a method to synthesize gold, palladium, and platinum aerogels via a rapid, direct solution-based reduction is presented. The combination of various precursor noble metal ions with reducing agents in a 1:1 (v/v) ratio results in the formation of metal gels within seconds to minutes compared to much longer synthesis times for other techniques such as sol-gel. Conducting the reduction step in a microcentrifuge tube or small volume conical tube facilitates a proposed nucleation, growth, densification, fusion, equilibration model for gel formation, with final gel geometry smaller than the initial reaction volume. This method takes advantage of the vigorous hydrogen gas evolution as a by-product of the reduction step, and as a consequence of reagent concentrations. The solvent accessible specific surface area is determined with both electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. After rinsing and freeze drying, the resulting aerogel structure is examined with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and nitrogen gas adsorption. The synthesis method and characterization techniques result in a close correspondence of aerogel ligament sizes. This synthesis method for noble metal aerogels demonstrates that high specific surface area monoliths may be achieved with a rapid and direct reduction approach.

Introduction

A wide range of energy storage and conversion, catalysis, and sensor applications benefit from three-dimensional metallic nanostructures which provide control over chemical reactivity, and mass transport properties^1,2,3,4,5. Such 3-dimensional metallic nanostructures further enhance conductivity, ductility, malleability, and strength^8,9. Integration into devices necessitates that materials be free-standing or combined with support materials. Incorpo....

Protocol

CAUTION: Consult all relevant safety data sheets (SDS) before use. Use appropriate safety practices when performing chemical reactions, to include the use of a fume hood and personal protective equipment. Rapid hydrogen gas evolution can cause high pressure in reaction tubes causing caps to pop and solutions to spray out. Ensure that reaction tube caps remain open as specified in the protocol.

1. Metal Gel Preparation

1. Preparation of metal ion solutions.
   1. Prepare 2 mL of 0.1 M solutions of the following salts: HAuCl₄•3H₂O and Na₂PdCl₄ in deionized wate....

Results

The addition of metal ion and reducing agent solutions together results in solutions immediately turning a dark black color with vigorous gas evolution. Observation of the reaction progress suggests the proposed gel formation mechanism shown in Figure 1. Gel formation proceeds through five steps of 1) nanoparticle nucleation, 2) growth, 3) densification, 4) fusion, and 5) equilibration. The first four steps are observed to occur during the first few minutes o.......

Discussion

The noble metal aerogel synthesis method presented here results in the rapid formation of porous, high surface area monoliths that are comparable to slower synthesis techniques. The 1:1 (v/v) metal ion solution to reducing agent solution ratio is critical in facilitating the proposed gel formation model. The rapid hydrogen gas evolution as a by-product of the electrochemical reduction of metal ions serves as a secondary reducing agent and facilitates the densification, and fusion of growing nanoparticles during gel forma.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
HAuCl4Ÿ•3H2O	Sigma-Aldrich	16961-25-4
Na2PdCl4	Sigma-Aldrich	13820-40-1
K2PtCl6	Sigma-Aldrich	16921-30-5
Pd(NH3)4Cl2	Sigma-Aldrich	13933-31-8
K2PtCl4	Sigma-Aldrich	10025-99-7
Pt(NH3)4Cl2Ÿ•H2O	Sigma-Aldrich	13933-31-8
dimethylamine borane (DMAB)	Sigma-Aldrich	74-94-2
NaBH4	Sigma-Aldrich	16940-66-2
NaH2PO2Ÿ•H2O	Sigma-Aldrich	10039-56-2
Ethanol	Sigma-Aldrich	792780
Snap Cap Microcentrifuge Tubes, 2.0 mL	Cole Parmer	UX-06333-70
Snap Cap Microcentrifuge Tubes, 1.7 mL	Cole Parmer	UX-06333-60
Conical Centrifuge Tubes 15mL	Stellar Scientific	T15-101
Ag/AgCl Reference Electrode	BASi	MF-2052
Pt wire electrode	BASi	MF-4130
Miccrostop Lacquer	Tober Chemical Division	NA
Potentiostat	Biologic-USA	VMP-3	Electrochemical analysis-EIS, CV
Freeze Dryer	Labconco	Freezone 2.5 Liter	Aerogel freeze drying
XRD	PanAlytical	Empyrean	X-ray diffractometry
Surface and Pore Analyzer	Quantachrome	NOVA 4000e	Nitrogen gas adsorption
ImageJ, Image analysis software	National Institute of Health	NA	SEM image analysis