Synthesis of FeCo nanocrystals encapsulated in nitrogen-doped graphene layers for use as highly efficient catalysts for reduction reactions.

A facile strategy to fabricate FeCo nanocrystals with nitrogen-doped graphene shells has been designed, which involves one-step thermal decomposition of Prussian blue analogue (PBA) Fe3[Co(CN)6]2 spheres. The as-prepared product can be used as a non-precious-metal catalyst with a highly efficient catalytic activity and a magnetically separable capability in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.