Effects of bimetallicity of nanoparticles synthesized through the organometallic approach on catalytic performances

The interest in bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) from both a scientific and a technological point of view is continuously growing, and extensive studies in this field have been published during the last two decades. For instance, we can cite hydrodeoxygenation of biomass-derived platform molecules, which is a highly interesting reaction in the field of biofuels production. In this respect, developing new bimetallic catalyst based on earth-abundant metals for such kind of transformations can help to improve the sustainability of the processes. 
In this work, we want to develop a synthetic route for the preparation of bimetallic NPs with a well-defined composition thanks to the organometallic approach. This will allow to control precisely the size, structure and surface composition (metal and additives) of supported nanoparticles, critical parameters for a good activity, selectivity and stability of the catalyst.
We will aim at Ni-based NPs due to the excellent catalytic performances of such systems in several reactions such as CO2 hydrogenation, biomass HDO, etc, which in some cases are comparable to those of noble metals. To evaluate the electronic effects of bimetallic NPs, Ni will be combined with a more electron-rich metal such as Cu, and with a less electron-rich metal such as Co. Hence, bimetallic NiCo and NiCu NPs will be prepared. The NPs will be impregnated on a conventional carrier, and they will be engaged as catalyst in a model catalytic reaction, namely HDO biomass derived molecules. The goal is to check the surface accessibility of the NPs and to study the effect of the electronic features on the catalytic activity and, most importantly, on the selectivity. 
These new catalysts will by fully characterized (ICP, TEM, EXAFS, solid NMR, DRIFT, H2 chemisorption…).