Nanocrystals of palladium and platinum have been identified as excellent catalysts for various energy applications such as fuel cells.  Mastery over the geometrical shape of a nanocrystal enables control of its properties and enhances its usefulness for catalytic applications.  It is well-established that the activity and selectivity of a metallic nanocrystal in catalysis are sensitive to the crystallographic facets exposed on surface, which can be tailored while controlling their geometrical shapes.  In this presentation, I will demonstrate the shape control of palladium and platinum nanocrystals in solution-phase synthesis.  Specifically we have explored the role of a few factors in determining the growth of various crystallographic facets, including reaction kinetics, capping agents and ions.  As such, we have been able to obtain palladium and platinum nanocrystals with controlled facets which exhibit tunable catalytic properties in energy applications.  It is expected that the present work will enable us to manipulate the surface facets of metallic nanocrystals and open the door to new applications in catalysis.

Controlled synthesis of Pd and Pt nanocrystals for catalysis with improved activity and selectivity

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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