Synthesis of Ag@Pd nanocables with controlled coating thickness and their photoluminescent and catalytic trend

Abstract

A facile polyol strategy has successfully developed Ag@Pd core-shell nanocables with a tunable Pd sheath, along with the formation of Pd nanotubes (NT). The nanostructures were characterized using SEM-EDX, XRD, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. SEM coupled with EDX revealed a linear morphology with a diameter of up to 80 nm and length of a few microns. The NTs had a wall thickness of approximately 20–25 nm. The XRD analysis indicated the formation of Ag and Pd in the conjunctions. UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed broader conjugation and alignment in terms of their respective red shifts. PL analysis resulted in a 70% quantum yield, which is suitable for solar-cell applications. The catalysis, with reference to the reduction of the nitro group, proceeded at an exceptionally fast rate. Finally, nanostructures as anode materials in Li-ion batteries retained a capacity of 409 mAh/g after 100 cycles with 100% coulombic efficiency.