Introducing Stacking Faults into Three-Dimensional Branched Nickel Nanoparticles for Improved Catalytic Activity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Catalysis

Background:

• High surface area nanocatalysts with stacking faults show promise for improved catalytic activity.
• Stacking faults can tune the reactivity of active sites, enhancing catalytic performance.
• Synthetically controlling stacking fault density in branched metal nanoparticles is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a method for precisely tuning stacking fault density in branched nickel nanoparticles.
• To investigate the effect of stacking fault density on the electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural.

Main Methods:

• Varying the branch width of branched nickel nanoparticles by altering seed size.
• Precisely controlling stacking fault density in the synthesized nanoparticles.
• Evaluating the electrocatalytic activity for 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural oxidation.

Main Results:

• Altering seed size effectively controlled branch width and stacking fault density in branched nickel nanoparticles.
• A high density of stacking faults lowered the energy barrier for Ni2+/Ni3+ oxidation.
• Enhanced electrocatalytic activity was observed for the oxidation of 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural.

Conclusions:

• Precise synthetic control over stacking fault density in branched nanoparticles is achievable.
• Tuning stacking fault density is a viable strategy for enhancing nanocatalyst performance.
• This approach offers a pathway for developing more active electrocatalysts.