Noble metal nanomaterials: Controllable synthesis and application in fuel cells and analytical sensors

SummaryNobel metal nanomaterials (NMNs) with interesting physical and chemical properties are ideal building blocks for engineering and tailoring nanoscale structures for specific technological applications. Particularly, effectively controlling the size, shape, architecture, composition, hybrid and microstructure of NMNs plays an important role on revealing their new or enhanced functions and application potentials such as fuel cell and analytical sensors. This review article focuses on recent advances on controllable synthesis and fuel cell and sensing applications of NMNs. First, recent contributions on developing a wet-chemical approach for the controllable synthesis of noble metal nanomaterials with a rich variety of shapes, e.g. single-component Pt, Pd, Ag and Au nanomaterials, multi-component core/shell, intermetallic or alloyed nanomaterials, metal fluorescent nanoclusters and metal nanoparticles-based hybrid nanomaterials, are summarized. Then diversified approaches to different types of NMNs-based nanoelectrocatalysts with the aim to enhance their activity and durability for fuel cell reactions are outlined. The review next introduces some exciting push in the use of NMNs as enhanced materials or reporters or labels for developing new analytical sensors including electrochemical, colorimetric and fluorescent sensors. Finally, we conclude with a look at the future challenges and prospects of the development of NMNs.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (80 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► New developments in the controllable synthesis of metal nanomaterials are summarized. ► Designing new nanoelectrocatalysts with high activity and durability is outlined. ► Some exciting pushes in metal nanomaterials-based sensing applications are introduced. ► Future challenges and prospects of the development of metal nanomaterials are concluded.