Structural analysis of sonochemically prepared Au/Pd nanoparticles dispersed in porous silica matrix

Bimetallic Au/Pd nanoparticles supported on a silica matrix were prepared by an ultrasonic technique. The samples heat-treated at 100, 200, 300 and 400°C were examined with techniques of XRD (X-ray diffraction), TEM and XAS (X-ray absorption spectrometry) for studying correlation between their structure and the catalytic activity of hydrogenation of cyclohexene. Even after the heat treatment at 400°C, the particles were smaller than 20 nm and well dispersed in the matrix without agglomeration nor sintering. Results of the XRD, TEM and XAS indicated that the as-prepared particles have a core/shell structure of Au/Pd and transform into a random alloy at 300°C. The catalysis seemed to be deactivated by alloying.