Synthesis of bare Pt3Ni nanorods from PtNi@Ni core–shell nanorods by acid etching: one-step surfactant removal and phase conversion for optimal electrochemical performance toward oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

Pt–Ni alloy, most notably Pt₃Ni phase, nanoparticles synthesized using a surfactant-assisted solution phase route have shown great promise as electrocatalysts toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for fuel cells. Surfactant removal without deteriorating the catalytic performance of alloy nanocrystals has been an ongoing issue in this research area. Herein, we report a convenient preparation route to surfactant-free Pt₃Ni nanorods from PtNi@Ni nanorods assisted by acid etching as well as their excellent electrocatalytic activity for ORR.