Fig. 1: Schematic of the preparation for the CNT-supported Intermetallic IrMo NPs by freeze-drying impregnation and annealing reduction.

Hydrophilic groups at the activated CNT can help the formation of hydrogel during the ultrasound treatment by the crosslinking of CNT. The water in the frozen hydrogel complexes was sublimated during the freeze drying and the crosslinking CNT framework was preserved to form the aerogel. In the meanwhile, the metal precursors were uniformly dispersed on the support. Such aerogel could preserve the shape even after being annealed under reductive atmosphere.