Facile solution synthesis of Ag@Pt core–shell nanoparticles with dendritic Pt shells

Abstract

Ag@Pt nanoparticles with various dendritic Pt shells were successfully synthesized by using nonionic surfactants at room temperature. Our recent study demonstrated that the addition of nonionic surfactant plays an important key role in the synthesis of dendritic Pt nanostructures (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132, 13636). Here we extend this synthetic concept to prepare various Ag@Pt nanoarchitectures. The different nanostructured Pt shells on the Ag core were confirmed by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. As a preliminary electrochemical application, the obtained Ag@Pt nanostructures were applied in the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution containing 0.5 M methanol. The Ag@Pt nanoparticles with thin dendritic Pt shells show superior CO-tolerance performance with a I_f/I_b value reaching 3.71. Our Ag@Pt nanostructures with good CO tolerant activity will be prominent catalysts for MOR.