Preparation of Co/Pd alloy particles dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotube supported nanocatalysts via gamma irradiation

New multiwalled carbon nanotube/silica supported cobalt-palladium bimetallic nanocatalysts (MWNT@silica/Co-Pd NPs) were prepared by a simple one step gamma irradiation method. The method involves the in-situ surface modification of MWNT with silica (MWNT@silica) and simultaneous formation of Co-Pd bimetallic NPs using gamma irradiation. The bimetallic NPs were stabilized by silica particles formed over the surface of MWNT. Extensive characterization studies have been performed on structural, morphological, and electrochemical, aspects of MWNT@silica/Co-Pd NPs. MWNT@silica/Co-Pd NPs were characterized by field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectroscopy. The influence of irradiation dosage levels on the stabilizing effect of silica particles has been studied. The electrolytic activities of the MWNT@silica/Co-Pd NPs were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.