One-pot synthesis of Pt-Co alloy nanowire assemblies with tunable composition and enhanced electrocatalytic properties

Three-dimensional (3D) Pt-based alloy nanostructures composed of one-dimensional (1D) nanowires/nanorods have recently attracted significant interest as electrocatalysts. In this work, we report an effective solvothermal method for the direct preparation of 3D Pt-Co nanowire assemblies (NWAs) with tunable composition. The composition- and structure-dependent electrocatalytic performance is thoroughly investigated. Because of the bimetallic synergetic effect and unique structural advantage, the as-prepared 3D Pt₃Co NWA outperforms commercial Pt/carbon and Pt black catalysts and even 3D Pt NWA. The electrochemical results demonstrate that the 3D Pt₃Co NWA is indeed a promising electrocatalyst with enhanced catalytic activity and improved durability for practical electrocatalytic applications. Three-dimensional (3D) Pt-Co alloy nanostructures with tunable composition are synthesized by an effective solvothermal method. The interconnected 3D Pt₃Co nanowire assembly exhibits significantly enhanced electrocatalytic activity and durability compared with commercial Pt based catalysts and a 3D Pt nanowire assembly. This is mainly attributed to the synergetic effects from composition and structural advantages. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.