Synthesis of Core−Shell PtRu Dendrimer-Encapsulated Nanoparticles. Relevance as Electrocatalysts for CO Oxidation†

The synthesis of PtRu nanoparticles has been accomplished by using the dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticle (DEN) approach. We report that the surface distribution of the particles can be tuned by suitable control of the reaction pathway. The present study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of Pt and PtRu nanoparticles and the evaluation of their performance as COad electro-oxidation catalysts. Bimetallic Pt/Ru particles displaying Ru-core Pt-shell (Ru@Pt) and Pt-core Ru-shell (Pt@Ru) structures, in which Ru or Pt are preferentially located on the outermost layer of the nanoparticles, have been synthesized. Characterization data confirm the formation of the bimetallic particles with the desired atomic distribution. The importance of the actual nature of the bimetallic samples in the COad electro-oxidation reaction has been discussed.