A comprehensive review on biogenic synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles and their application as catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

The synthesis of a number of bimetallic nanoparticles has been carried out in the past few years for commercial scale applications to promote environmental sustainability. This has been possible as the bimetallic nanoparticles possess harmonized physical and chemical properties. As compared to monometallic catalysts, these bimetallic nanoparticles displayed improved catalytic activity which may be due to the synergistic bonding among constituents and additional degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the manifestation of two different metals in bimetallic catalysts acts as a dynamic center and provides a favorable environment for the reactants to accelerate the reaction. The present review outlines a variety of procedures for the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles. A comparison has also been made between biosynthesis and other conventional methods of preparation. In addition, application of these bimetallic nanoparticles for removal of hazardous organic pollutant, viz. 4-nitrophenol, has also been explored. This review aims at providing the researchers, a comprehensive outline of recent developments in this discipline.