Dendritic Pt–Cu bimetallic nanocrystals with a high electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation

Dendritic Pt–Cu bimetallic nanocrystals were synthesized by one-step aqueous-phase reduction of H2PtCl6 and CuCl2 at a mild temperature (60 °C). The morphology and composition of the dendritic Pt–Cu nanocrystals were characterized by means of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The electrochemical properties were characterized by the cyclic voltammetry technique. It was found that the dendritic Pt–Cu bimetallic nanocrystals exhibited a higher catalytic activity toward the electro-oxidation of methanol than commercial Pt/C catalyst The enhanced catalytic activity would be contributed to the unique dendritic structure and the formation of Pt–Cu alloy nanocrystals.

► Dendritic Pt–Cu bimetallic nanocrystals were synthesized by one-step aqueous-phase reduction.
► The formation process of dendritic Pt–Cu bimetallic nanocrystals can be carried out under mild conditions.
► The dendritic Pt–Cu bimetallic nanocrystals exhibited a higher catalytic activity toward the electro-oxidation of methanol than commercial Pt/C catalysts.
► The new findings are of fundamental importance to the development of high-performance electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cell.