Synthesis, shape control, and methanol electro-oxidation properties of Pt-Zn alloy and Pt3Zn intermetallic nanocrystals

ACS Nano. 2012 Jun 26;6(6):5642-7. doi: 10.1021/nn301583g. Epub 2012 May 14.

Abstract

We report the first synthesis of highly monodisperse Pt(3)Zn nanocrystals (NCs). Shape-controlled synthesis generates cubic and spherical Pt-Zn NCs. Reaction temperature is the key to incorporate Zn into Pt, even in the absence of a strong reducing agent. The Pt-Zn NCs are active toward methanol oxidation, with the spherical NCs exhibiting higher activity than the cubic NCs. The Pt-Zn alloy phase can be transformed into the Pt(3)Zn intermetallic phase, upon annealing. The intermetallic Pt(3)Zn shows better performance than the alloy phase Pt-Zn. Besides the activity toward methanol oxidation, Pt-Zn NCs show excellent poisoning tolerance. With activities comparable to the commercial Pt catalyst, enhanced poisoning tolerance and lower cost, Pt-Zn and Pt(3)Zn NCs are a promising new family of catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alloys / chemistry*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Methanol / chemistry*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Particle Size
  • Platinum / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties
  • Zinc / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alloys
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Platinum
  • Zinc
  • Methanol