Shape-controlled synthesis of planar PtPb nanoplates for highly efficient methanol electro-oxidation reaction.

In this work, novel insights into the influence of different nanocrystal structures on the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol are reported. Herein, we have successfully prepared high-yield PtPb nanoplates in the diethylene glycol (DEG) solvent. The as-obtained PtPb nanoplates with a large surface area of the (102) facet show higher MOR activity and superior durability in alkaline electrolyte compared with both zero-dimensional PtPb nanoparticles and commercial Pt/C. Further chronoamperometric (CA) measurements and discrete Fourier transform (DFT) calculations indicate that the PtPb nanoplates possess much better operation durability and CO tolerance due to the negative adsorption energy of the (102) facet.