Shape-control and electrocatalytic activity-enhancement of Pt-based bimetallic nanocrystals.

Due to the increasing worldwide energy demand and environ-mental concerns, the need for alternative energy sources is growing stronger, and platinum catalysts in fuel cells may help make the technologies a reality. However, the pursuit of highly active Pt-based electrocatalysts continues to be a challenge. Scientists developing electrocatalysts continue to focus on characterizing and directing the construction of nanocrystals and advancing their electrochemical applications. Although chemists have worked on Pt-based bimetallic (Pt-M) preparations in the past, more recent research shows that both shape-controlled Pt-M nanocrystals and the assembly of these nanocrystals into supercrystals are promising new directions. A solution-based synthesis approach is an effective technique for preparing crystallographic facet-directed nanocatalysts. This is aided by careful selection of the metal precursor, capping ligand, reducing agent, and solvent. Incorporating a secondary metal M into the Pt lattice and manipulat...