Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance of One-Dimensional Metal Nanowires and Arrays Generated via an Ambient, Surfactantless Synthesis

One-dimensional (1-D) metal (Ag, Au, and Pt) nanowires and their corresponding arrays have been synthesized using an ambient, surfactantless synthesis technique. The potential applicability of such crystalline, highly purified 1-D samples for practical uses was specifically demonstrated in their manifestation as electrocatalysts for an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Specifically, Pt 1-D nanostructures possessed a higher ORR activity as compared with that of Pt nanoparticles alone. Ag and Au nanowires also evinced reasonable ORR activity in alkaline solution.