(L)-Lysine-assisted fabrication of PdxPt1-x/Ni(OH)2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) hybrids with composition-dependent catalytic properties.

A fast and facile self-assembly method has been developed to deposit 3-5 nm sized PdxPt1-x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanoparticles (NPs) on Ni(OH)2 nanosheets. The biomolecule l-lysine has been used here as the linker to hybridize PdxPt1-x NPs and Ni(OH)2 nanosheets together. The catalytic properties of the obtained PdxPt1-x/Ni(OH)2 hybrids were evaluated by employing the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) by NaBH4 as a model reaction. The results reveal that the stability, activity and recyclability of PdxPt1-x NPs have been remarkably enhanced after being supported on Ni(OH)2 nanosheets. Moreover, the influence of the composition of noble metals on the catalytic properties has been studied in depth and Pd0.5Pt0.5/Ni(OH)2 hybrids show the optimal catalytic properties.