Asymmetric magnetic nanosnowman loaded with AgPd nanocage toward NIR-enhanced catalytic activity

Although bimetallic noble nanostructures often possess high activity in nanocatalysis, their controllable fabrication, tunable catalytic activity, and easy separation remain significant challenges. In this study, an Fe₃O₄@AgPd/Polydopamine (Fe₃O₄@AgPd/PDA) nanosnowman loaded with an AgPd nanocage was designed by a one-step template-disposition-redox polymerization method. The AgPd nanocage endowed the product with high catalytic activity for the reduction of organic pollutants (4-NP, MO, MB). Interestingly, under near-infrared (NIR) light, the catalytic kinetics of the Fe₃O₄@AgPd/PDA nanosnowman on catalytic reduction of organic pollutants increased by 2.6, 1.57, and 5.45 times, respectively. The asymmetric nanostructure facilitated the separation of electron-hole pairs, promoted electron transfer, and accelerated the catalytic activity. Density functional theory (DFT) analysis indicated that the electron transfer between the AgPd alloy and the Fe₃O₄ nanosphere played a critical role on the high catalytic activity. Moreover, Fe₃O₄@AgPd/PDA also demonstrated excellent catalytic activity in the Heck carbon-carbon coupling reaction with a >95% conversion rate and >99% selectivity. Owing to the well-encapsulated PDA shell and outstanding magnetic properties, the Fe₃O₄@AgPd/PDA nanosnowman exhibited good cyclic catalytic activity. With its multi-mode catalysis, NIR-enhanced catalytic activity, and easy separation, the Fe₃O₄@AgPd/PDA nanosnowman exhibits great application potential in nanocatalysis.