Bimetallic PdAu alloyed nanowires: Rapid synthesis via oriented attachment growth and their high electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation reaction

Abstract Herein, a facile 4-aminopyridine-assisted one-pot approach was developed for synthesis of bimetallic PdAu alloyed nanowires (NWs) on a large scale, without using any pre-made seed, surfactant or polymer. Their formation mechanism was discussed based on the oriented attachment growth. The as-synthesized architectures have enlarged electrochemically active surface area and enhanced mass activity relative to commercial Pd black catalyst, revealing the improved catalytic activity, durability, and tolerance to carbonaceous species poisoning toward methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). This is attributed to their unique wire-like nanostructures, along with the synergetic effects between Pd and Au.