Citrate adsorption on Pt{hkl} electrodes and its role in the formation of shaped Pt nanoparticles

Two-Dimensional Metal Nanostructures: From Theoretical Understanding to Experiment

This paper reviews recent studies on the preparation of two-dimensional (2D) metal nanostructures, particularly nanosheets. As metal often exists in the high-symmetry crystal phase, such as face centered cubic structures, reducing the symmetry is often needed for the formation of low-dimensional nanostructures. Recent advances in characterization and theory allow for a deeper understanding of the formation of 2D nanostructures. This Review firstly describes the relevant theoretical framework to help the experimentalists understand chemical driving forces for the synthesis of 2D metal nanostructures, followed by examples on the shape control of different metals. Recent applications of 2D metal nanostructures, including catalysis, bioimaging, plasmonics, and sensing, are discussed. We end the Review with a summary and outlook of the challenges and opportunities in the design, synthesis, and application of 2D metal nanostructures.

Unexpectedly High Capacitance of the Metal Nanoparticle/Water Interface: Molecular-Level Insights into the Electrical Double Layer

The electrical double‐layer plays a key role in important interfacial electrochemical processes from catalysis to energy storage and corrosion. Therefore, understanding its structure is crucial for the progress of sustainable technologies. We extract new physico‐chemical information on the capacitance and structure of the electrical double‐layer of platinum and gold nanoparticles at the molecular level, employing single nanoparticle electrochemistry. The charge storage ability of the solid/liquid interface is larger by one order‐of‐magnitude than predicted by the traditional mean‐field models of the double‐layer such as the Gouy–Chapman–Stern model. Performing molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the possible relationship between the measured high capacitance and adsorption strength of the water adlayer formed at the metal surface. These insights may launch the active tuning of solid–solvent and solvent–solvent interactions as an innovative design strategy to transform energy technologies towards superior performance and sustainability.

The influence of dielectric permittivity of water on the shape of PtNPs synthesized in high-pressure high-temperature microwave reactor

In this paper, a novel method for the synthesis of Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) using a microwave autoclave reactor is proposed. For benchmarking, the obtained results are compared with the traditional, batch method. A novel process window is proposed, which is the application of high-temperature and high-pressure. The main finding is that this only brings advantage, when the ionic strength of the system is enough low. It is explained, that at high pressure and high temperature, water behaves like only a slightly polar solvent, approaching a subcritical state. This reduces the electrostatic stabilization of the particles. Moreover, a change in the Pt particle shape is observed under high pressure and temperature conditions, suggesting that additional physical-chemical processes are involved.

Stable and active Pt colloid preparation by modified citrate reduction and a mechanism analysis of inorganic additives

Ultra-small and monodispersed Pt nanoparticles (NPs) have been successfully synthesized in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The process normally involves the use of capping agents, organic species, templates, and substrates and is thus complex. Hence, obtaining Pt NPs with a clean surface is challenging. In this study, a method for preparing stable and highly dispersed Pt NPs with clean surfaces is proposed. The method involves the use of a modified Na₃C₆H₅O₇ reduction process assisted by NaNO₃ stabilization. The specific complexations of NO₂^- ions possibly alter the reaction kinetics and lower the growth rate of Pt NPs by retarding the reduction reaction. The optimized Pt/carbon nanotube (CNT) catalysts exhibit high mass activity and moderate activity decay after 10,000 times of potential cycling compared with commercially available Pt/C catalysts. Then, membrane electrode assemblies based on the resultant catalysts are characterized. The cell performance of 744 mW cm^-2 (maximum power density) is achieved after the optimized Pt/CNT catalysts are used in carbon black.

Tunable Adsorption and Film Formation of Mussel Adhesive Protein by Potential Control

Mussel adhesive proteins are of great interest in many applications because of their outstanding adhesive property and film-forming ability. Understanding and controlling the film formation and its performance is crucial for the effective use of such proteins. In this study, we focus on the potential controlled film formation and compaction of one mussel adhesive protein, Mefp-1. The adsorption and film-forming behavior of Mefp-1 on a platinum (Pt) substrate under applied potentials were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, potential-controlled electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Moreover, microfriction measurements were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the Mefp-1 films formed at selected potentials. The results led to the conclusion that Mefp-1 adsorbs on the Pt substrate through both electrostatic and nonelectrostatic interactions and shows an effective blocking effect for the electroactive sites on the substrate. The properties of the adsorbed Mefp-1 film vary with the applied potential, and the compactness of the adsorbed Mefp-1 film can be reversibly tuned by the applied potential.

Impacts of anions on the oxygen reduction reaction kinetics on platinum and palladium surfaces in alkaline solutions

(Bi)sulfate and (bi)carbonate have distinct impacts on ORR, and citrate was self-dissociated on Pt and Pd.

Specific adsorption of perchlorate anions on Pt{hkl} single crystal electrodes

Perchlorate anion adsorption inhibits the oxygen reduction reaction on Pt{hkl} electrodes in aqueous perchloric acid due to weak specific adsorption.