Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), called a new generation of green solvents, have broad applied in synthesis of nanomaterials due to their remarkable physicochemical properties. In this work, we used a unique strategy (adding moderate water (10%) to DES) to effectively prepare nanomaterials. Flower-like AuPt alloy nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using one-step electrochemical reduction method at a low potential of −0.30 V (vs. Pt) and a low temperature of 30 °C. In this process, the DES acted as solvent and shape-directing agent. More importantly, we used the electrode modified with the as-prepared nanomaterials as the anode to the electrochemical oxidation synthesis. The glassy carbon electrode modified with the AuPt nanoflowers was directly employed to the electro-oxidation of xanthene (XT) to xanthone (XO) under a constant low potential of 0.80 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and room temperature, with a high yield of XO. Moreover, the synthesis process was milder and more environment-friendly than conventional organic syntheses. This new strategy would have a promising application in electroorganic synthesis fields.
Gold nanocrystals (NCs) as advanced catalysts towards ethylene glycol (EG) electrooxidation in direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) have some advantages, such as good poisoning-resistance and high electrocatalytic activity. The shape and size control of Au NCs are crucial to their electrocatalytic activity.In this work, the control of morphologies and sizes of prepared Au NCs in reline are systematically investigated by changing electrodeposition conditions: the applied potential, electrodeposition temperature, HAuCl 4 concentration and electrodeposition time. Results show that reline (a deep eutectic solvent (DES), a mixture of choline chloride and urea at the molar ratio of 1 : 2) plays an important part in the nucleation and growth of the star-like Au NCs. This approach for preparing star-like Au NCs in reline does not need any supporting electrolyte and organic solvent, and thus is more environmentally friendly than water as a medium. The electrode modified by the as-prepared Au nanostars (NSs) exhibits a good poisoning-resistance ability and electrocatalytic activity for EG electrooxidation in alkaline media. This strategy is a significant way for shape-controlled synthesis of noble metal nanomaterials in DESs that may have potential applications in fields of electrochemical sensors, electrocatalysis and fuel cells.
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