Effect of the type of Pt precursor on Pt–Ni nanostructures for electro-oxidation of ammonia

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics 2014-10, Vol.147 (3), p.722-727
• Main Authors: Kim, Haengsoo, Won, Dongsin, Lee, Hong-Ki, Yoo, Sung Jong, Nahm, Kee Suk, Kim, Pil
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Composite materials; Electrochemical properties; Electrochemical techniques; Nanostructures
• ISSN: 0254-0584; 1879-3312
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2014.06.012

The properties of Pt–Ni nanostructures were successfully controlled by employing different Pt precursors in the preparation of Pt–Ni nanocomposites, which were synthesized by a co-reducing Pt and Ni precursors. Pt–Ni nanostructures were obtained by leaching Ni species from the Pt–Ni nanocomposite. The use of H2PtCl6 as a precursor yielded aggregated small Pt particles, while [Pt(NH3)4]Cl2 yielded large hollow Pt nanostructures. A possible mechanism leading to the morphological difference between the two structures was suggested. Owing to a higher electrochemically active surface area and a favorable surface structure, hollow Pt nanostructures from the [Pt(NH3)4]Cl2 precursor showed significantly better performance in ammonia oxidation than the aggregated Pt particles resulting from the H2PtCl6 precursor. [Display omitted] •Pt–Ni nanostructures were easily controlled employing different type of Pt precursor.•Well-developed Pt–Ni hollow structures was formed using Pt(NH3)4Cl2 precursor.•Aggregated Pt–Ni particles were generated using H2PtCl6 precursor.•Pt–Ni hollow showed better electrochemical properties than Pt–Ni particles.•A possible mechanism led to morphological difference was described.