The chemical functionalized platinum nanodendrites: The effect of chemical molecular weight on electrocatalytic property
By Xu, Guang-Rui; Han, Shu-He; Liu, Zong-Huai; Chen, Yu
Published in Journal of Power Sources
2016
Abstract
Abstract The surface chemical functionalization of noble metal nanocrystals is a promising strategy for improving the catalytic/electrocatalytic activity and selectivity of noble metal nanocrystals. In this work, we successfully synthesize the polyallylamine (PAA) with different molecular weight functionalized Pt nanodendrites (Pt-NDs) using a facile hydrothermal reduction method. The morphology and surface composition are investigated by transmission electron microscopy, element map, and thermogravimetric analysis. Furthermore, we detailedly investigate the effect of the molecular weight of {PAA} on the electrochemical property of the functionalized Pt-NDs. Electrochemical measurements show only low molecular weight {PAA} functionalized Pt-NDs allow electrolytes to access freely the Pt sites. Meanwhile, the low molecular weight {PAA} functionalized Pt-NDs show the excellent selectivity and activity for the oxygen reduction reaction in the presence of methanol.