About this Research Topic
Applications of nanomaterials in several fields such as catalysis, biomedicine, environment, energy and magnetism-related uses require strict tuning of their physical, structural and morphological properties. To achieve such controlled properties, the synthetic protocols that are employed to prepare the nanomaterials need to be carefully designed and selected.
In this Research Topic we will welcome articles on the modern, state-of the-art and very recent advances on the chemical synthesis of bimetallic nanostructures of varying compositions, crystallinities and shapes. Such types of nanostructures often present better properties than their monometallic counterparts thanks to the so-called synergistic effects between both metals.
Bimetallic nanostructures can be obtained in alloy, core-shell or ‘heterostructure’ form, among others. Their synthesis is carried out either in water or in organic solvents, typically in the presence of metallic precursors or salts, surfactants and reducing agents. Seed-mediated growth of bimetallic nanoparticles has been largely reported, while the simultaneous reduction of two precursors of different metals can also lead to bimetallic nanomaterials. In certain cases, the aqueous medium is preferred, while in other ones it is better to synthesize the nanomaterials in organic media and then either disperse them in an organic solvent or transfer them into water following ligand exchange processes.
We encourage researchers to submit their research reports on improvements to well-established synthetic routes and concepts as well as on novel synthetic approaches. Such new synthetic paths may have an advantage in comparison to the well-known ones, such as lower cost, ease, ‘one-pot’ or ‘simple heat-up’ production, being more environmentally friendly, or to allow the more precise control of a final property.
Alternatively, submissions may present a new feature in bimetallic nanoparticle synthesis, such as the use of an unexplored molecule or type of chemical moieties that can act as precursors, capping ligands-stabilizers-growth modifiers or reductants. In exceptional cases, a new/advanced characterization tool can be also presented, which can highlight the novelties of modern syntheses of bimetallic nanostructures which cannot be easily demonstrated with traditional/routine characterization techniques. Therefore, articles will be welcomed on the basis of their prospective technological or application-destined interest, as well as their ‘purely academic’ interest. Review articles with emphasis on such novel routes and recent advances of bimetallic nanomaterial synthesis will also be gladly received.
In this Research Topic we will welcome articles on the modern, state-of the-art and very recent advances on the chemical synthesis of bimetallic nanostructures of varying compositions, crystallinities and shapes. Such types of nanostructures often present better properties than their monometallic counterparts thanks to the so-called synergistic effects between both metals.
Bimetallic nanostructures can be obtained in alloy, core-shell or ‘heterostructure’ form, among others. Their synthesis is carried out either in water or in organic solvents, typically in the presence of metallic precursors or salts, surfactants and reducing agents. Seed-mediated growth of bimetallic nanoparticles has been largely reported, while the simultaneous reduction of two precursors of different metals can also lead to bimetallic nanomaterials. In certain cases, the aqueous medium is preferred, while in other ones it is better to synthesize the nanomaterials in organic media and then either disperse them in an organic solvent or transfer them into water following ligand exchange processes.
We encourage researchers to submit their research reports on improvements to well-established synthetic routes and concepts as well as on novel synthetic approaches. Such new synthetic paths may have an advantage in comparison to the well-known ones, such as lower cost, ease, ‘one-pot’ or ‘simple heat-up’ production, being more environmentally friendly, or to allow the more precise control of a final property.
Alternatively, submissions may present a new feature in bimetallic nanoparticle synthesis, such as the use of an unexplored molecule or type of chemical moieties that can act as precursors, capping ligands-stabilizers-growth modifiers or reductants. In exceptional cases, a new/advanced characterization tool can be also presented, which can highlight the novelties of modern syntheses of bimetallic nanostructures which cannot be easily demonstrated with traditional/routine characterization techniques. Therefore, articles will be welcomed on the basis of their prospective technological or application-destined interest, as well as their ‘purely academic’ interest. Review articles with emphasis on such novel routes and recent advances of bimetallic nanomaterial synthesis will also be gladly received.
Keywords: Chemical synthesis, nanochemistry, nanomaterials, alloys, heterostructures
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
