Pt-content-controlled synthesis of Pd nanohollows/Pt nanorods core/shell composites with enhanced electrocatalytic activities for the methanol oxidation reaction

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have attracted enormous attention for their applications as electrical power sources (e.g., vehicles) due to their high energy density and easier storage. However, high cost, limited supply and easy carbon monoxide poisoning of Pt catalyst limits its widespread applications. Herein, Well-defined, highly uniform and well dispersed PdNHs/PtNRs have been successfully synthesized by crystal growth of Pt NRs on the exterior surface of hollow Pd nanospheres in order. The quantity and length of the Pt NRs in the obtained PdNHs/PtNRs can be well tailored, thus bettering its catalytic activity and Pt utilization efficiency. The PdNHs/PtNRs composites combine advantages of hollow and dendrite structures, which is beneficial to reduce Pt usage in DMFCs for cutting its cost.342