The spontaneous formation of bi-continuous nanoporous (BNP) metal from dealloying, i.e. the selective dissolution of an alloy, has fascinated generations of researchers to pursue its significance in corrosion and, increasingly, in catalysis. As the structure possess interpenetrating pores and metal ligaments at length scales down to a few nanometers, it provides a large yet highly accessible area comprising a high population of surface steps; these attributes promote BNP metal as the best catalysts for a variety of catalysis challenges. However, one of the obstacles facing a wider application of the BNP metal is the demanding preparation of the starting materials, i.e. a homogeneous alloy. Here we present that the step of alloy preparation can be completely eliminated from the fabrication of BNP metal by adopting an alternative route of reduction-induced decomposition. In this decomposition process, ionic or covalent compounds (e.g. AgCl and CuO) can be chemically reduced to form BNP metal similar if not identical to that through dealloying. We use a combination of characterization techniques, including electron microscopy, underpotential deposition-based area measurement, and small-angle X-ray scattering, to show the structural resemblance of the decomposed materials to their dealloyed counterparts. At the same time, the differences between the two types of structures and their potential structural and functional impacts will also be discussed. We believe that the introduction of decomposition as a low-cost yet flexible alternative will enable a wide adoption of BNP metal as active yet affordable catalysts.

McCue, I.; Benn, E.; Gaskey, B.; Erlebacher, J. Annu. Rev. Mater. Res. 2016, 46 (1), annurev-matsci-070115-031739;

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