Pt-M (M = Cu, Co, Ni, Fe) nanocrystals: from small nanoparticles to wormlike nanowires by oriented attachment

Pt-M (M = Cu, Co, Ni, Fe) wormlike nanowires with excellent catalytic activities were produced by a hydrothermal method. Based on the experiment results, Pt-M nanoparticles grew into nanowires through oriented attachment. The electrocatalytic activities of these nanowires toward methanol oxidation were also studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry measurements. The synthesized Pt-M nanowires showed higher catalytic activity and stability for methanol oxidation than Pt nanowires and commercial Pt black.