Platinum-cobalt nanocrystals synthesized under different atmospheres for high catalytic performance in methanol electro-oxidation

Pt-Co nanocrystals with cube, dendrite and sphere shapes have been fabricated in air, hydrogen and nitrogen, respectively, at ambient pressure or 1 MPa. The Pt-Co nanocrystals with a chain-like structure, synthesized in nitrogen at 1 MPa, exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity and stability towards the methanol oxidation reaction.