The objective of this thesis is to synthesize bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles with a novel method combining electrochemical reduction & electrodeposition and novel Layer-by-Layer (LbL) self-assembly multilayer thin films. Several bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles have been synthesized. The properties of these bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles were characterized by many physical and chemical techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrochemical method, XPS and SEM. The applications of these bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles in bifunctional sensors were explored by electrochemical method....[ Read more ]

The objective of this thesis is to synthesize bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles with a novel method combining electrochemical reduction & electrodeposition and novel Layer-by-Layer (LbL) self-assembly multilayer thin films. Several bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles have been synthesized. The properties of these bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles were characterized by many physical and chemical techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrochemical method, XPS and SEM. The applications of these bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles in bifunctional sensors were explored by electrochemical method.

Chapter 2 demonstrates the novel method to synthesize bimetallic Au@Pt/Au@Pd core-shell nanoparticles and reversed bimetallic Pt@Au/Pd@Au core-shell NPs. And bimetallic Au@Ag core-shell NPs are synthesized too. The layer-by-layer self-assembled molecular films were based on the positively charged free-base porphyrin (Tetra (4-N, N, N-tri-methylanilinium) porphyrin chloride). Then bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles were fabricated by electrochemical reduction and electrodeposition. The assembling process and bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrochemical method, XPS and SEM. These bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles can serve as catalysts in bifunctional sensing of O₂ and NO.

Chapter 3 focuses on the novel method to synthesize bimetallic Au@Pt/Au@Pd core-shell nanoparticles and reversed bimetallic Pt@Au/Pd@Au core-shell NPs. The layer-by-layer self-assembled molecular films were based on the positively charged Poly (diallydimethyl-ammonium chloride) (PDDA). Then bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles were fabricated by electrochemical reduction and electrodeposition. The assembling process and bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrochemical method, XPS and SEM. These bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles can serve as catalysts in bifunctional sensing of O₂ and NO.

Chapter 4 summarizes the method of this thesis and outlines my personal perspective for this project on the basis of my research experiences and thinking.