Bimetallic nanoparticles: advances in fundamental investigations and catalytic applications

Bimetallic nanoparticles provide promising active sites for many reactions, and such materials can be synthesized with different spatial distributions, such as disordered alloys, core–shell structures, and Janus-type heterogeneous structures. Catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability of bimetallic nanoparticles can be modified by the geometric, electronic, multifunctional and mixing effects, as compared with single metals. Accurate control of bimetallic compositions and their distributions is crucial to obtain high-performance catalysts. The present review summarizes the recent advances in preparation methods and catalytic applications of supported bimetallic nanomaterials. In addition, representative case studies are also provided to investigate how bimetallic nanoparticles can be used as desired catalysts and how specific functional catalysts are designed for targeted reactions. The structure–performance relationships of supported bimetallic catalysts for a number of reactions are discussed to achieve a fundamental understanding. Synthetic strategies and perspectives for precise control of bimetallic active components and element distributions with distinctive nanostructures are proposed for potential industrial applications.