Colloidal routes to Pt-Au catalysts

Citrate-derived monometallic Pt and bimetallic PtxAu100-x colloidal particles have been prepared and adsorbed onto graphitic supports; their adsorptive and catalytic properties are considered as is the wider applicability of this preparative route to heterogeneous catalysts. It appears that PtxAu100-x dispersed bimetallic particles have properties which are very close to those of bulk materials and therefore that colloidal preparative routes to mono- and bi-metallic catalysts are very promising. However, the cleanliness of surfaces needs to be considered as does the extent of surface enrichment caused by the method of preparation.