Facile synthesis of MXene-supported bimetallic Ag/Cu nanoparticles composite as efficient catalyst for 4-nitrophenol reduction

Catalytic reduction has been considered as one of effective methods for the conversion of organic pollutants. However, a lack of efficient catalyst precludes its practical application. Herein, a novel transition metal carbides-supported bimetallic Ag/Cu nanoparticles composite (Ag/Cu/MXene) catalyst was prepared by one-pot reduction method. The MXene as a carrier medium effectively promoted the riping and immobilization of bimetallic Ag/Cu nanoparticles. The synergistic effects of the composite catalyst improved electron transfer capacity, resulting in high catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The turnover frequency (TOF) was high up to 1127.2 h−1, which was higher than that of MXene-supported monometallic Ag or Cu catalyst. In addition, the conversion efficiency for 4-NP reduction by Ag/Cu/MXene was high up to 90% after five recycles. Our findings presented here are not only potential for catalytic applications, but also provide a foundation for the development of efficient MXene-based catalysts.