The mutual promotional effect of Au–Pd bimetallic nanoparticles on silicon nanowires: A study of preparation and catalytic activity

Au–Pd nanoparticles were synthesized on the surface of silicon nanowires and used in the degradation of the p-nitroaniline, which exhibited the mutual promotional effect compared with Au/Si and Pd/Si catalysts. This synergistic effect factor was calculated as 2.35. The Au–Pd/Si catalysts might be recycled and used again. The catalytic rate of the catalysts only decreased by 20% after recycling for five times.