Electrochemical Synthesis of Monodisperse PtCo Nanocrystals

Abstract

The synthesis of platinum-cobalt Nanocrystals (NCs) using colloidal solvothermal techniques is well understood. However, for monodisperse NCs to form, high temperatures and environmentally detrimental solvents are needed. We report a room temperature, aqueous method of Pt-Co NC synthesis using electrochemical reduction as the driving force for nucleation and growth. It is found that colloidal NCs will form in both the presence and absence of surfactant. Additionally, we report a monodisperse electrochemical deposition of nanocrystals utilizing a transparent conducting oxide electrode. The methods developed here will allow for a synthetic method to produce nanocatalysts with minimal environmental impact and should be readily applicable to other NC systems, including single- and multi-component alloys.