A new kind of highly active hollow flower-like NiPdPt nanoparticles supported by multiwalled-carbon nanotubes toward ethanol electrooxidation

Hollow flower-like NiPdPt nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared through galvanic replacement between Ni nanoparticles and noble metal salts. Multiwalled-carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be used to support the as synthesized hollow flower-like NiPdPt NPs through electrostatic self-assembly. The structure and composition are analyzed by transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. Electrochemical catalytic measurement results prove that the as synthesized MWCNTs supported NiPdPt NPs present excellent catalytic activity toward ethanol electrooxidation in alkaline solution. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.