Facile synthesis of Cu-Pd bimetallic multipods for application in cyclohexane oxidation

The synergy between Cu and Pd makes Cu-Pd bimetallic nanocrystals interesting materials for investigation. The scarcity of shapes of Cu-Pd bimetallic nanocrystals motivated us to explore highly branched structures, which may promote a wide range of applications. In this communication, we report a facile synthesis of Cu-Pd bimetallic multipods (19.2 ± 1.2 nm), on branches of which some high-index facets were exposed. Modification of reaction parameters concerning capping agents and reductant led to the formation of other shapes, including sphere-like nanocrystals (SNCs). When loaded onto TiO2, the as-prepared Cu-Pd bimetallic multipods exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the oxidation of cyclohexane by hydrogen peroxide and higher selectivity towards cyclohexanone than monometallic catalysts and SNCs/TiO2.