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Functionalizing Gold Nanoparticles with Calix[4]arenes Monolayers for Enhancing Selectivity and Stability in ORR Electrocatalysis
Author(s) -
Lenne Quentin,
Mattiuzzi Alice,
Jabin Ivan,
Le Poul Nicolas,
Leroux Yann R.,
Lagrost Corinne
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced materials interfaces
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.671
H-Index - 65
ISSN - 2196-7350
DOI - 10.1002/admi.202001557
Subject(s) - nanomaterial based catalyst , selectivity , monolayer , electrocatalyst , materials science , colloidal gold , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , adsorption , nanoparticle , covalent bond , combinatorial chemistry , surface modification , metal , catalysis , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , photochemistry , inorganic chemistry , electrochemistry , organic chemistry , chemistry , electrode , metallurgy , engineering
Abstract The deliberate surface modification of nanocatalysts with organic ligands has recently emerged as a promising strategy to boost their efficiency, durability, and/or selectivity in key electrocatalytic processes. The interface between the metallic interface and the immobilized ligands promotes high electrocatalytic activity. Herein, the oxygen reduction reaction activity of gold nanoparticles functionalized with a covalently bound monolayer of calix[4]arenes is compared with commercially available gold nanoparticles, classically stabilized through electrostatic adsorption of citrates onto the gold surfaces. Nanocatalysts coated by calix[4]arenes show enhanced selectivity and stability compared to their citrate‐stabilized counterparts. These nanohybrids exhibit excellent activity with a dominant 4‐electron reduction of O 2 with good electrocatalytic performances along with a high robustness under operation as revealed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses.