Noble metal alloy complex nanostructures: controllable synthesis and their electrochemical property

Abstract

Noble metal nanocrystals have been extensively utilized as promising catalysts for chemical transformations and energy conversion. One of their significant applications lies in electrode materials in fuel cells (FCs) due to their superior electrocatalytic performance towards the reactions both on anode and cathode. Nowadays, tremendous efforts have been devoted to improve the catalytic performance and minimize the usage of precious metals. Constructing multicomponent noble metal nanocrystals with complex structures provides the opportunity to reach this goal due to their highly tunable compositions and morphologies, leading to the modification of the related electrochemical properties. In this review, we first highlight the recent advances in the controllable synthesis of noble metal alloy complex nanostructures including nanoframes/nanocages, branched structures, concave/convex structures, core-shell structures and ultrathin structures. Then the effects of the well-defined nanocrystals on the modified and improved electrochemical properties are outlined. Finally, we make a conclusion with the points on the challenges and perspectives of the controllable synthesis of noble metal alloy complex nanostructures and their electrocatalytic performance.

Single Crystalline Ultrathin Nickel–Cobalt Alloy Nanosheets Array for Direct Hydrazine Fuel Cells

“…For instance, the atomic ultrathin Rh,2, 3 Pd,4, 5 or Co9 nanosheets have shown significant enhancement in catalytic or electrocatalytic properties. Compared to monometallic nanocrystals, alloy nanocrystals have greater potential because their tunable compositions endow them tunable electronic structures and properties, and possible synergistic effect between metals leaving large room for improving the properties like catalysis 10. Typically, for the anodic hydrazine oxidation reaction in direct hydrazine fuel cells (DHFCs), NiCo alloy has demonstrated times of higher activity than the monocomponent counterpart 11…”

RhCu 3D Nanoframe as a Highly Active Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction under Alkaline Condition

“…Nanoparticle structure engineering has been extensively studied in recent years for the development of active nanocatalysts in energy conversion technologies such as fuel cells 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. A great improvement in this area has been feasible with facet‐controlled nanoparticles and core–shell nanoparticles with lattice mismatch, which enables surface‐energy modulations 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.…”

Bimetallic AuRh nanodendrites consisting of Au icosahedron cores and atomically ultrathin Rh nanoplate shells: synthesis and light-enhanced catalytic activity

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] The physical and chemical properties of bimetallic noble metal nanostructures not only depend on their chemical compositions but also are related to their morphologies. [4][5][6][7][8][9] In general, bimetallic nanostructures display remarkably improved catalytic activity and selectivity compared with the corresponding monometallic nanocrystals due to the strong ensemble and ligand effects between the different components (that is, geometrical and electronic effects).…”