Ir-M (M = Sn, Ni & Cu) bimetallic nanoparticles as low-cost catalysts for oxidative degradation of orange IV azo dye

Abstract

In this work bimetallic nanoparticles of iridium with low cost Sn, Cu, and Ni are synthesized. The nanoparticles have been synthesized by modified Polyol reduction method. The conversion of precursor salts into nanoparticles has been confirmed by UV-Vis spectra. XRD and TEM confirms that the particle’s size ranges between 5 and 7 nm and are less disperse, amorphous, and quasi-spherical in nature. XPS reveals SnO_x rich surface in Ir-Sn nanoparticles and Ir rich surface for Ir-Ni and Ir-Cu nanoparticles indicating core-shell structure of bimetals. The catalytic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles, below size 10 nm, has been studied in the remediation of azo dye orange IV by hexacyanoferrate(III) oxidation in aqueous alkaline medium. The results reveal that the catalytic activity of bimetallic Ir- M nanoparticles is better than Ir monometallic nanoparticles due to synergistic effect. Moreover, recovery and reuse of these nanoparticles makes them potential candidates for dye degradation technologies.

Keywords:

• Degradation
• orange-IV
• MNP
• Ir-M BNP
• PVP
• polyol
• XPS

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.