Dual roles of underpotential deposition in the synthesis of tetrahexahedral Pd–Ag alloy nanocrystals†
Abstract
Tetrahexahedral Pd–Ag alloy nanocrystals enclosed by high-index {520} facets with enhanced electrocatalytic activity have been synthesized using an Ag(I)-assisted growth protocol. The underpotential deposition of Ag plays dual roles in the formation of tetrahexahedral nanocrystals: it not only stabilizes the high-index {520} facets, but also facilitates the formation of Pd–Ag alloys.