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Enhanced Catalytic Performance of Composition‐Tunable PtCu Nanowire Networks for Methanol Electrooxidation
Author(s) -
Xiao Meiling,
Li Songtao,
Zhao Xiao,
Zhu Jianbing,
Yin Min,
Liu Changpeng,
Xing Wei
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
chemcatchem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.497
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1867-3899
pISSN - 1867-3880
DOI - 10.1002/cctc.201402186
Subject(s) - chronoamperometry , catalysis , cyclic voltammetry , methanol , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , transmission electron microscopy , nanowire , chemical engineering , nanocrystal , aqueous solution , chemistry , materials science , nanotechnology , electrochemistry , electrode , organic chemistry , engineering
Ultrathin PtCu x ( x =1, 2 and 3) nanowire networks (NWMs) with controllable compositions were successfully synthesized by using Triton X‐100 as the structure‐directing agent in aqueous solution. The as‐prepared PtCu x nanocrystals were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. The results show that electrocatalytic performance of the PtCu x NWNs towards the methanol oxidation reaction is enhanced relative to that of commercial Pt/C catalysts. Moreover, if the initial atomic ratio of Pt/Cu is 1:2, the corresponding PtCu 2 NWNs catalyst generates mass activity that is 3.77‐fold higher and specific activity that is 2.71‐fold higher than the corresponding properties of commercial Pt/C catalysts. The enhanced activity can be attributed to a unique structure and a modified electronic effect.