PtPdCu cubic nanoframes as electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reaction

Abstract

Due to their unique open structural features, cubic nanoframes have a large specific surface area, which greatly increases their atomic utilization in catalytic reactions. In this study, PtPdCu cubic nanoframes were prepared via a one-pot wet-chemical process. Time-dependent experiments show that the formation of PtPdCu cubic nanoframes experienced a solid to hollow process, and the etching is performed by Br⁻/O₂. As an electrocatalyst for the methanol oxidation reaction, the PtPdCu cubic nanoframes present 2.57 times higher mass activity than commercial Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, the as-prepared PtPdCu cubic nanoframes exhibit superior durability for electrocatalysis. This study provides a facile method for the preparation of cubic nanoframe-structured Pt-alloy electrocatalysts, and demonstrates that the rational design of electrocatalysts with specific morphology and composition can optimize their electrocatalytic performances.