Ag nanobelts: synthesis, morphological evolution, and their use as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction

The recent development of 1D nanomaterials of controllable size, composition, and structure has opened up enormous possibilities for engineering catalysts with enhanced activity and selectivity. Herein, we report a one-step strategy for the fabrication of versatile silver nanomaterials. Tailored structures, such as nanobelts, nanowires, and nanocables, were conveniently synthesized by adjusting the reaction conditions. The novelty of this synthesis is in a one-pot procedure that combines the sequential formation of precursor nucleation, in situ polymerization, and crystal shaping under mild conditions. The as-synthesized cables consisted of a metallic core (Ag) and an organic outer shell (poly(o-anisidine), POA). Control experiments demonstrated that the introduced organic monomer (OA) not only acted as the nanoreactor and capping agent, but also a modest reducer for controlled crystal growth at the hydrophilic interface. Electrocatalytic tests showed enhanced stability and activity towards the reduction of oxygen, which was believed to be closely associated with the core-shell structural characteristics of the nanomaterials. Their electrocatalytic performance and tunable structure makes such silver nanobelts promising candidates for applications in catalysis and as sensors in nanoelectrochemical devices.