With a square wave electrochemical reduction method, Pd single-crystal nanothorns (Pd NTs) are prepared at room temperature, without template or surfactant. By varying the potentials applied, we can control the length and accumulation state of the Pd NTs. TEM study shows that the growth of the thorn occurs along the (22 j 0) plane. The nanothorn is made by a succession of epitaxic dodecahedrons of decreasing sizes aligned in the direction of the (111) plane. The surface chemical state of the Pd NTs is studied with XPS. Pd NTs have higher catalytic activity than commercial Pd black for the oxidation of formic acid.

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