Enhanced Catalytic Performance of Composition‐Tunable PtCu Nanowire Networks for Methanol Electrooxidation

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.