Preparation of Bimetallic and Trimetallic Nanomaterials and their Role in Waste Water Treatment: A Review

Abstract

Multimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) have extraordinary properties and therefore, drew the attention regarding their synthesis and applications in the form of bi and tri metallic nanoparticles. Bimetallic (BNPs) and trimetallic nanoparticles (TNPs) are gaining enormous attention than that of monometallic nanoparticles. Both NPs can be synthesized by different methods such as microwave, selective catalytic reduction, micro-emulsion, co-precipitation and hydrothermal etc. Using physical and chemical methods have more disadvantages such as production of toxic byproduct, use of excess energy and additional use of stabilizer. In addition, nanocomposites of bimetallic and trimetallic can be synthesized with inorganic and organic compounds such as: carbon, graphene, gelatin, cellulose, starch, chitosan, alginate, etc. The combination of two or more phases in these nanoscale materials provide them high surface area to volume ratio and possess higher degree of porosity that help in enhancing their adsorption and reusability found more helpful in removing the toxic pollutants from the environment. Further these nanomaterials can also be fabricated in such a way that reduces the electron hole recombination, which induces synergetic effect between the constituent moieties that help in the degradation of pollutants. For instance the synthesis of trimetallic nanostructures with defined design along with the required morphology as well as mesoporous and magnetic characteristics have shown their versatile properties find applications in many industries such as conducting magnetic inks, memory devices, catalysis, bio-medical and especially in water treatment. Although, to obtain the nanoparticles with desired morphology and size is relatively difficult, which involves expensive non-eco-friendly reagents. In this review, we discussed in detail about the synthesis and role of Bimetallic and Trimetallic NPs as an adsorbent.