Precisely controlled bimetallic nanocatalysts on mesoporous silica nanoparticle supports for highly efficient and selective nitrate reduction

Monodisperse, bimetallic nanocatalysts, homogeneously supported on mesoporous silica nanoparticles , are demonstrated as highly active, reducing catalysts for rapid and selective nitrate transformation. For this, we finely controlled catalyst size and composition based on new synthesis strategies. Specifically, atomic clusters of M reducing /Cu nanocatalysts (M reducing = Pd, Pt) were optimized for nitrate reduction via subsequent M reducing impregnation (M reducing /Cu/M reducing combinations). Reaction kinetics were observed to be affected by the ratio of M reducing to Cu, for which Pd−rich Pd/Cu/Pd nanocatalysts showed better performance than Cu−rich analogs. Product selectivity (ammonium vs. nitrogen) was highly correlated with nanocatalyst morphology, with nitrogen gas (dominant) selectivity observed for relatively larger Pd particles. Lastly, MSN−Pd/Cu/Pd catalyst are highly stable in water, with no catalyst deterioration over multiple reactions (10 cycles), while maintaining consistently high reaction rates and N 2 selectivity. Taken together, this study demonstrates the critical importnace of precise catalyst control and stability towards optimizing nitrate reduction processes. • Monodisperse bimetallic nanocatalysts were precisely controlled on MSN for highly efficient nitrate reduction. • Amine modified MSN surfaces allow for excellent nanocatalyst(s) synthesis control. • Higher reaction rates were achieved by precisely controlling bimetallic catalyst(s) ratios. • Product selectivity, as nitrogen or ammonium, is significantly affected by Pd morphology. • Pd/Cu/Pd on MSN exhibited excellent stability for numerous cycles with consistently high reaction rate and selectivity.