Soft Template‐directed Reactions: One‐pot Synthetic Route for Bimetallic Core‐satellite‐shell Structure of Electrocatalytic Nanospheres

Yue He; Qin Wang; Zhen Wei; Ling Xu; Zenglin Wang; Hao Huang; Huan Jiao

Index: 10.1002/cctc.201800346

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Abstract

The developed one‐pot synthesis strategy, which hinders the nanoparticles (NPs) agglomerated in the initiation of reaction and prevents the combination of the core and the tiny species. In the present study we synthesize bimetallic core‐shell structures of single Au core and satellites‐like of Pt NPs. The core was generated by HAuCl4 thus providing unique conductive ability for the electrons. The entire evolution process of Pt NPs during the whole reaction was confined within the SiO2 nanospheres. Through strong electrostatic attraction, the Pt NPs in a tight H3O+ packing accordingly increased the discharge of adsorbed hydrogen (Had) rate. The comparative investigation of electrocatalytic activities of the products and commercial Pt/C‐20% by the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) revealed that the Au@SiO2‐Pt, with a strong metal‐conduct‐interaction effect in the electrolyte, exhibits a low Tafel slope of 52 mV/dec, with its catalytic activity being maintained for at least 10 h. Impressively, it also demonstrates a high turnover frequency (TOF) value of 0.11s‐1.