Pd/Au bimetallic nanoparticle-anchored BiVO4/TiO2 nanotube arrays toward efficient photoelectrocatalytic Suzuki–Miyaura reactions†

Owing to the high efficiency and atom economy of homogeneous palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling (SMC) reactions, they are considered effective for C–C bond formation. However, the feasibility of this process is limited by the difficulty in separating the catalyst and the high energy consumption. Thus, in this study, to solve these issues, a uniform dispersion of ultrafine Pd and Au nanoparticles was successfully anchored on the surface of BiVO₄/TiO₂ nanotube arrays. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of effective charge carriers separation, wide spectral response, strong component interactions and abundant active centers, the unique Pd/Au bimetallic nanoparticle-anchored BiVO₄/TiO₂ nanotube arrays exhibited excellent photoelectrocatalytic activity and good reusability in SMC reactions of aryl boronic acids with substituted aryl halides under ambient conditions.