The project aims to utilise environmentally friendly bimetallic nanoparticles with controlled structure, morphology and chemical state for the catalytic and photocatalytic removal of toxic chlorinated compounds from water by hydrodechlorination reactions. It is expected that, the fine structure control of bimetallic nanoparticles prepared by polyol method will bring crucial improvements by increasing the catalytic activity and poisoning resistance compared to existing materials. A strategy is proposed to improve the catalytic performance by using mesostructured Al2O3 as support, which is prepared by using microemulsion and hydrothermal techniques. In addition, the hydrodechlorination reaction on bimetallic nanoparticles assembled in a controlled manner with TiO2 will be investigated for the first time. The prepared materials will be characterised by a series of physicochemical techniques (XRD, XPS, fractal analysis, gas titration, TPO, TPR cyclic voltammetry. Also the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of these materials will be tested.

Another application under consideration is to develop new biosensors with high sensitivity and stability using bimetallic nanoparticles. Bio-recognition elements immobilised on working electrodes with bimetallic nanoparticles will be evaluated to identify the most promising systems for biosensor construction. The practical aim is to develop laboratory technologies for the catalytic and photocatalytic degradation of chlorinated compounds from polluted waters. The development at prototype level of sensitive and stable biosensors based on bimetallic nanoparticles for the assessment of TCE (trichloroethylene) concentration in water is envisaged. A balanced and multidisciplinary consortium has been set up to achieve these ambitious goals in the proposed three years. All participating members have well-established reputations in catalysis, materials science, biochemistry, and physico-chemical characterisation techniques.