Ionic liquid assisted synthesis of Au-Pd bimetallic particles with enhanced electrocatalytic activity.

Morphology- and composition-controlled synthesis of Au-Pd bimetallic particles was realized by a facile ionic liquid assisted route at room temperature. The morphologies of the synthesized particles, such as nanoflake-constructed spheres with a core-shell structure, nanoparticle-constructed spheres, and nanoparticle-constructed dendrites, could be well controlled by the present route. The ionic liquid was found to play a key role in the formation of these interesting particles. Moreover, the composition (Au:Pd) of the particles could be modulated by means of the molar ratio of the metal precursors in the feeding solutions. The Au-Pd bimetallic particles exhibit high electrocatalytic activity toward oxidation of ethanol and formic acid. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetric studies on the as-prepared Au-Pd bimetallic particles revealed good electroactivity for H2O2, which results in an effective amperometric H2O2 sensor.