Use of Triton X-114 as a weak capping agent for one-pot aqueous phase synthesis of ultrathin noble metal nanowires and a primary study of their electrocatalytic activity

Abstract

By using Triton X-114 as structure-director and weak binding stabilizer, ultrathin Au, Pd and Pt nanowires are synthesized in seconds by reduction of inorganic metal precursors with KBH₄ in aqueous phase. The nanowires show high catalytic activity and long-term stability toward electrooxidation of alcohols.