| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 179656 | Electrochemistry Communications | 2012 | 4 Pages |
We demonstrated a new method based on shape transformation, which has potential to prepare sub-10 nm tetrahexahedral Pt nanocrystals (THH Pt NCs) with high-index facets. It was found that after subjected to square-wave potential treatment for 2 min, Pt nanocubes of 10 nm in edge length will be converted to THH Pt NCs with sizes varying from 6 to 20 nm. TEM characterization indicated that the surfaces of the obtained THH Pt NCs were near {310} facets; cyclic voltammograms further verified the surface changing from (100) to (310). The obtained THH Pt NCs exhibited greatly enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward ethanol oxidation, due to high density of step atoms.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Pt nanocubes were electrochemically converted to tetrahexahedral Pt nanocrystals (THH Pt NCs). ► The obtained THH Pt NCs have a small size near 10 nm, and {310} high-index facets. ► THH Pt NCs exhibit greatly higher electrocatalytic activity than Pt nanocubes and commercial Pt/C for ethanol oxidation.
