Innovations in bimetallic nanoparticle synthesis for sustainable energy systems applications

The continuous exploration and utilisation of fossil-based energy has continued to impact life and the environment, necessitating the urgent and inevitable search for sustainable energy sources. Catalytic energy production lowers the activation energy, enabling fast, easy, and efficient conversion of renewable feedstocks into sustainable energy sources. Leveraging nanoscience, the integration of bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) into sustainable energy system production ensures the synergistic effects of the two distinct metals and offers superior catalytic activity, stability, and tunable properties compared to the monometallic NPs. This study reviews the innovations in BNPs synthesis for sustainable energy systems applications. From the overview, classifications, and properties of BNPs, the study presented the traditional and emerging BNPs synthesis routes, emphasising the benefits, drawbacks, and recommendations for improvements. The study discusses the areas of application of BNPs in sustainable energy systems, including hydrogen production, fuel cells and electrocatalysts, batteries and supercapacitors, and photocatalysis and CO2 reduction. The synergistic effects of the components of the BNPs influence the structural stability, superior catalytic activity, and performance efficiency in operation. The panaceas to the identified structural, operational, environmental, and economic challenges are highlighted. Future research should emphasise the development and ethical use of innovative digital technologies to design, predict, and optimise the BNPs’ value chain, low-cost production, and sustainability for the circular economy.