Bimetal CuFe nanoparticles-synthesis, properties, and applications

Abstract

Bimetal CuFe (copper-iron) nanoparticles, which are based on the earth-abundant and inexpensive metals, have generated a great deal of interest in recent years. The possible modification of the chemical and physical properties of these nanoparticles by changing their size, structure, and composition has contributed to the development of material science. At the same time, the strong tendency of these elements to oxidize under atmospheric conditions makes the synthesis of pure bimetallic CuFe nanoparticles still a great challenge. This review reports on different synthetic approaches to bimetallic CuFe nanoparticles and bimetallic CuFe nanoparticles supported on various materials (active carbide, carbide nanotubes, silica, graphite, cellulose, mesoporous carbide), their structure, physical, and chemical properties, as well as their utility as catalysts, including electrocatalysis and photocatalysis.