Mn3O4 catalyzed growth of polycrystalline Pt nanoparticles and single crystalline Pt nanorods with high index facets

Rarely-observed polycrystalline twinned Pt nanoparticles (NPs) and length-controlled Pt nanorods (NRs) with exposed high index facets were prepared through an unexpectedly catalytic growth approach from low-cost Mn3O4 NPs. The as-prepared Pt NRs exhibit higher catalytic activity and better stability for the oxidization of methanol than commercial Pt/C catalysts, indicating the promise of this catalyst in direct methanol fuel cells.