Edge Enrichment of Ultrathin 2D PdPtCu Trimetallic Nanostructures Effectuates Top-Ranked Ethanol Electrooxidation

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c01908
• Publication Date: 2020-06-03T21:42:14Z
• Authors: Wei Wang; Xue Zhang; Yuhui Zhang; Xiaowei Chen; Jinyu Ye; Jiayu Chen; Zixi Lyu; Xuejiao Chen; Qin Kuang; Shuifen Xie; Zhaoxiong Xie
• Keywords: Nanomaterial-based catalyst; Nanomaterials

Atomic edge sites on two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials display striking catalytic behavior, whereas engineering for 2D metal nanocatalysts remains an insurmountable challenge. Here we advance a one-pot synthesis of ultrathin PdPtCu trimetallic nanosheets and nanorings with escalating low-coordinated proportions from 11.74% 23.11% to 45.85% as cutting-edge ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) electrocatalysts. This in situ enrichment hinges competitive surface capping etching strategy integrated manipulation the kinetics. Electrocatalysis tests demystify edge-relied EOR performance, where edge-richest 9.0 nm-Pd61Pt22Cu17 attain exceptional activity (12.42 A mg-1Pt+Pd, 20.2 times that commercial Pt/C) substantially improved durability. Molecularly mechanistic studies certify unsaturated these catalysts prevail, triggering C-C bond scission succeeding CO removal facilitate 12-electron-transferring process. study introduces "metal-edge-driven" concept enables "edge multimetallic nanocatalysts" technique design versatile heterocatalysts.