Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) noble metal nanostructures have abundant active sites and are ideal catalysts for fuel cell reactions. However, it is still a huge challenge to realize the synthesis of precious metal nanosheets (NSs) with a clean surface. Here, we employed a square-wave potential electrodeposition method to synthesize a three-dimensional (3D) nanostructure composed of 2D maple leaf-like Rh NSs without introducing any surfactants and capping agents. The factors affecting the electrochemical growth of Rh nanoparticles (NPs) were carefully checked. Studies found that the balance between the growth and etching played the key role in the formation of a 3D nanostructure composed of 2D maple leaf-like Rh NSs. Due to the unique morphology and clean surface with a (111) facet, they exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability to the formic acid oxidation reaction. The peak current density of the maple leaf-like Rh NSs was 3.66 mA cm–2, which was much higher than those of other Rh NPs prepared by electrodeposition. This work could provide a new idea to construct 3D nanocatalysts with a clean surface for fuel cells.
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