LAUSR

Optimizing the shape, structure, and interface of noble metal bimetallic nanostructures significantly improves their catalytic properties. Recently, Au@Pd core–shell bimetallic nanostructures have attracted considerable interest for fuel cell applications. Regrettably, most of the research mainly focuses on the morphological and structural control whereas interfacial control is neglected. In this work, polyethylenimine (PEI) functionalized Au nanowires@Pd core–shell bimetallic nanohybrids (Au-NWs@Pd@PEI) are synthesized by a chemical reduction method using Au nanowires (Au-NWs) as seeds in the presence of PEI and demonstrate their application toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in an alkaline solution. Electrochemical results display that Au-NWs@Pd@PEI with optimal component shows enhanced ORR activity, selectivity, and durability compared to Pt/C electrocatalyst. Physical characterizations demonstrate that the electronic property of Pd shell mainly is affected by PEI polymer rather than Au-NWs core. R...