Compressed hydrogen gas-induced synthesis of Au-Pt core-shell nanoparticle chains towards high-performance catalysts for Li-O₂ batteries

Herein we reported a green synthetic route for the preparation of Au-Pt core-shell nanoparticle chains in a two-step route without the use of any surfactants. In the synthesis, compressed hydrogen was used as a reducing reagent, which also promoted the assembly of particle chains. The as-prepared monodispersed gold nanoparticles were manipulated by dipoles to form chain-like nanostructures under high pressure; meanwhile, in situ epitaxial growth of Pt shell on gold nanochains occurred, leading to the formation of Au-Pt core-shell nanoparticle chains. The resulting bimetallic Au-Pt core-shell chains showed excellent catalytic activity as cathodes in lithium oxygen batteries with a low charge-discharge over potential and outstanding cycle performance because of its clean catalytic surface, interconnected nanostructure, which provided a good electron path and innate synergistic effect. © 2014 the Partner Organisations.