Understanding the Role of Nanoparticle Synthesis on Their Underlying Electrocatalytic Activity

Au/Pt bimetallic nanoparticles with controllable structure were fabricated and extensively characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, high-resolution TEM, powder X-ray diffraction, UV−visible absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Their catalytic activity has been studied and compared with different Pt nanoparticles in both the electrochemical reduction of oxygen and the oxidation of methanol to investigate the role of nanoparticle synthesis on their underlying electrocatalytic activity. Enhanced signals for methanol oxidation were observed at the Au/Pt bimetallic nanoparticles.