Trimetallic PtAgCu@PtCu core@shell concave nanooctahedrons with enhanced activity for formic acid oxidation reaction

Trimetallic PtAgCu@PtCu core@shell concave nanooctahedrons (CSCNOs) enclosed by high-index facets are synthesized by a simple one-pot hydrothermal reduction method. The catalytic reduction growth of both Ag-I and Cu-II on preformed Pt crystal nuclei is proposed for the formation of core@shell nanostructures. Moreover, the oxidative etching is also critical in the final morphology of concave nanocrystals. The as-prepared PtAgCu@PtCu CSCNOs demonstrate excellent activity and durability for the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) with an unusual reaction pathway due to the geometric effect, electronic effect, and bi-functional mechanism. Our work provides some clues for the future design of nanocatalysts for a specific fuel molecular electrocatalytic oxidation, with the aim of the improvement of activity and durability. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.