Self-supported Pt nanoclusters via galvanic replacement from Cu2O nanocubes as efficient electrocatalysts

Abstract

A novel synthesis method for self-supported Pt nanoclusters (Pt NCs) comprised of interconnected 2–3 nm Pt nanoparticles was developed by employing the galvanic replacement process between Cu₂O nanocubes and PtCl₄²⁻ ions. This discovered synthesis procedure eliminates the use of any polymer capping agents and enables a catalytically clean Pt surface. It is determined that the presence of H⁺ ions is crucial for initializing the galvanic replacement reaction. The electrocatalytic performances of the Pt NCs were tested for both oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation reactions, which showed higher electrochemical activity and greater long-term durability as compared with commercial Pt materials.