Abstract
In our review, we have presented a summary of the research accomplishments of nanostructured multimetal-based electrocatalysts synthesized by modified polyol methods, especially the special case of Pt-based nanoparticles associated with increasing potential applications for batteries, capacitors, and fuel cells. To address the problems raised in serious environmental pollution, disease, health, and energy shortages, we discuss and present an improved polyol process used to synthesize nanoparticles from Pt metal to Pt-based bimetal, and Pt-based multimetal catalysts in the various forms of alloy and shell core nanostructures by practical experience, experimental skills, and the evidences from the designed polyol processes. In their prospects, there are the micro/nanostructured variants of hybrid Pt/nanomaterials, typically such as Pt/ABO3-type perovskite, Pt/AB2O4-type ferrite, Pt/CoFe2O4, Pt/oxide, or Pt/ceramic by modified polyol processes for the development of electrocatalysis and energy technology. In the future, we suggest that both the polyol and the sol-gel processes of diversity and originality, and with the use of various kinds of water, alcohols, polyols, other solvents, reducing agents, long-term capping and stabilizing agents, and structure- and property-controlling agents, are very effectively used in the controlled synthesis of micro/nanoparticles and micro/nanomaterials. It is understood that at the levels of controlling and modifying molecules, ions, atoms, and nano/microscales, the polyol or sol-gel processes, and their technologies are effectively combined in bottom-up and top-down approaches, as are the simplest synthetic methods of physics, chemistry, and biology from the most common aqueous solutions as well as possible experimental conditions.
Highlights
At present, fuel cells (FCs), proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), and direct methanol FCs (DMFCs) using excellent Pt electrocatalysts have played an increasing role for engineering, science, technology, and industry [1,2]
When nanoparticles are used as catalysts for chemical production processes, the smaller the particle size and the more homogeneous the particle system is, the more valuable it is because it allows increasing the catalytic surface area as in the case of Pt or Pd nanoparticles [12,13]
These recent trends, Pt-nanoparticle-based electrocatalysts used as the standard catalyst have been successfully prepared by modified polyol methods effectively combined with microwave methods as well as physical and chemical methods in the various experimental approaches from the most typical reactants and reagents, which lead to Pt-based alloy and core-shell nanoparticles multimetal electrocatalysts being synthesized
Summary
Fuel cells (FCs), proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), and direct methanol FCs (DMFCs) using excellent Pt electrocatalysts have played an increasing role for engineering, science, technology, and industry [1,2]. An FC provides electricity via the generation of ion carriers by electrocatalysis at the electrodes as well as a positive or negative ion transport mechanism and direction of motion through electrolyte membranes. In many recent years, modified polyol methods have played an important role in the controlled synthesis of various kinds of crystal nanoparticles used as the nanostructured catalysts applied in energy and environment [3–9]. We must clarify the very huge need for the systematic study and synthesis of metal, oxide, and alloy nanomaterials by the polyol process, and their enormous applications [10–15]. We must make discussion with a typical Pt nanomaterial. As far as we all know, Pt nanomaterials are used in the catalytic layer components of low-temperature FCs associated with the clean
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