Peptide-Mediated Fabrication of Pd?Au Nanocatalysts: Effect of Metal Composition and Catalyst Design Approach on Nitrite Reduction in Water

Here we examine the use of materials binding Pd4 peptide, originally isolated with Pd affinity with ability to bind gold, for the synthesis of catalytically active palladium decorated gold (Pd-on-Au) and palladium-gold (PdAu) nanoparticles (NPs). Since the preparation of Pd-on-Au and PdAu NPs requires variety of chemical, harsh conditions, and prolong circumstances, a water-based one-pot fabrication route at room temperature using Pd4 peptide was adapted for rational design of catalytic NPs for practical use. The prepared NPs were then exploited for catalytic degradation of nitrite (NO₂^−) as a crucial contaminant presenting in water resources. The developed peptide-mediated catalysts showed 3.6 times increase in NO₂^− reduction comparing to monometallic Pd NPs in comparable TOF with previous reports. The prepared NPs showed high selectivity toward nitrogen gas production over ammonia.