Gold nanodendrities on graphene oxide nanosheets for oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

Gold nanodendrites (AuNDs) monodispersed on graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were successfully prepared using a clean synthesis method at room temperature and then applied for advanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, GO was used as the electron donors for reducing AuCl₄⁻ instead of any additional reductants and surfactants, leading to AuNDs with excellent monodispersity, uniformity and purity. The as-prepared AuNDs-loaded GO (AuNDs–GO) exhibit high electrocatalytic activity and a dominant four-electron pathway toward ORR. The AuNDs–GO also exhibit superior stability and methanol tolerance to a commercial Pt–C catalyst, making it a promising nanoelectrocatalyst in fuel cells and other electrochemical devices. This simple, straightforward, and general method is of significance for preparing high-performance metal nanocatalysts with a well-controlled morphology on appropriate supporting materials.