Three-dimensional graphene-based Pt-Cu nanoparticles-containing composite as highly active and recyclable catalyst

A composite hydrogel consisting of well-dispersed Pt-Cu nanoparticles (NPs) supported on three-dimensional (3D) graphene (Pt-Cu@3DG) was successfully prepared by mild chemical reduction. The 3D interconnected macroporous structure of the graphene framework not only possesses large specific surface area that allows high metal loadings, but also facilitates mass transfer during the catalytic reaction. The Pt-Cu bimetallic alloy NPs show good catalytic activity compared with Pt NPs and reduce the content of Pt NPs used, thereby lowering costs. The morphology and composition of the Pt-Cu@3DG composite were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The catalysis studies indicate that the resulting composites can be used as an efficient, inexpensive, recyclable, and stable catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol under mild conditions.