Kinetics-controlled synthesis of gold–palladium alloy nano-corolla using a syringe pump and their applications for ethanol oxidation reaction

Gold–palladium (AuPd) alloy nano-corolla are successfully prepared in high purity, followed by exploration as electrocatalysts for electroxidation of ethanol (EOR) in alkaline medium. Applying kinetics control on the one-pot formation process using a syringe pump is emphasized, where the Au/Pd precursor solution is dropwise titrated into the reaction mixture containing capping agent and reductant at an elevated temperature. We perform systematical investigation towards the morphology evolution pathway and effects of several key parameters. After loading on carbon black, the current AuPd alloy nano-corolla exhibit superb specific activity, reaction kinetics, and operation stability for EOR, showing morphological and structural merit. The present study provides insight into fabrication of bimetallic alloy nanocrystals with open structure, which could find important use in crystal engineering for multimetallic nanocrystals and rational design of fuel cell electrocatalyst. Graphical abstract: Gold–palladium (AuPd) alloy nanocrystals in the form of corolla are successfully prepared via kinetic-controlled synthesis in high purity, exhibit improved activity and stability as EOR electrocatalysts in KOH solution [Figure not available: see fulltext.]