Pd@Au core–shell nanocrystals with concave cubic shapes: kinetically controlled synthesis and electrocatalytic properties

Abstract

A new type of concave cubic Pd@Au core–shell nanocrystals is synthesized through a kinetically controlled growth process. Pd nanocubes of 56 nm are used as the inner core, and CTAC and Br⁻ are used as the capping agent and selective adsorbent, respectively. A suitable ratio of HAuCl₄ and cubic Pd seeds and the presence of Br⁻ anions are critical to the growth of the concave cubic Pd@Au core–shell nanocrystals. The fast deposition rate on the corners of the cubic Pd seeds promotes the overgrowth of the Au outer shell along the <111> direction, leading to the formation of concave cubic nanostructures. The reduction process is monitored by the surface plasmon resonance spectra of the nanocrystals, and the extinction band became broader and red shifted as the nanocrystals became larger. The electrocatalytic properties of the concave cubic Pd@Au core–shell nanocrystals were investigated with the cathodic electrochemiluminescence reaction of luminol and H₂O₂. A possible electrocatalytic mechanism was proposed and analyzed.