Pd-Pt random alloy nanocubes with tunable compositions and their enhanced electrocatalytic activities

Monodisperse, highly-selective sub-10 nm Pd-Pt random alloy nanocubes have been successfully synthesized in aqueous solution, and the electrocatalytic activity of these Pd-Pt alloys towards formic acid oxidation was investigated and compared with the activity of Pd sub-10 nm nanocubes, and the commercial Pd and Pt black.NSFC [20725102, 20921001]; Fok Ying Tung Education Foundation [111012]; State Key Project of Fundamental Research for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology [2006CB932301

Seed Displacement, Epitaxial Synthesis of Rh/Pt Bimetallic Ultrathin Nanowires for Highly Selective Oxidizing Ethanol to CO2

For the first time, the high-yield, branched Rh/Pt bimetallic ultrathin nanowires with nodes and stems have been synthesized by seed displacement, epitaxial growth method in aqueous solution containing Rh nanocubes seeds, K2PtCl6, and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). The quantities of Rh nanocubes play a key role in the formation of high-yield ultrathin nanowires. The results of EDS line scanning and elemental analysis map have shown that the Rh atoms distribute discretely in the wires. The electrocatalytic properties of the Rh/Pt bimetal alloys, Rh nanocubes, and commercial Pt black toward ethanol oxidation have been investigated. The Rh/Pt ultrathin nanowires have displayed enhanced electrocatalytic performance and selectivity. The results of in situ FTIR have shown that the selectivity to the complete oxidation of ethanol to CO2 of Rh/Pt bimetallic ultrathin nanowires is at least 2.69 times higher as compared with the commercial Pt black.NSFC [20725102, 20933004, 20921001]; Fok Ying Tung Education Foundation [111012]; State Key Project of Fundamental Research for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology [2006CB932301

Tunable Aqueous Phase Synthesis and Shape-Dependent Electrochemical Properties of Rhodium Nanostructures

Rhodium nanostructures with highly selective morphologies such as cubes, horned particles, dendrites, and network-shaped wires have been achieved through the synergetic effect of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and halogen anions (F-, Cr-, Br-, I-) in a green solvent, water. The effects of SLS and halogen anions were systematically investigated. The electrocatalytic performances of Rh nanostructures toward ethanol oxidation were tested. The results have shown that the rhodium nanostructures displayed shape-dependent properties, and the nanodendrites possessed the maximum catalytic activity.NSFC [20725102, 20933004, 20921001]; Fok Ying Tung Education Foundation [111012]; Natural Science Foundation of Guizhou Province [20072013]; State Key Project of Fundamental Research for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology [2006CB932301