Phosphorus-doped Pt nanowires as efficient catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen evolution and methanol oxidation reaction

Abstract

One-dimensional nanostructures have drawn substantial attention because of their unique properties and potential applications. Furthermore, doping nonmetal elements in metal nanostructures also exhibits great potential for enhancing various electrocatalytic reactions. Doping nonmetal elements without affecting the morphology of nanostructure is difficult. Using phosphorization treatment on presynthesized Pt nanowires (NWs), we effectively synthesize phosphorus-doped Pt NWs (Pt–P NWs). In the electrochemical hydrogen evolution and methanol oxidation reaction, the prepared Pt–P NWs demonstrated the highest catalytic activities compared with Pt NWs and commercial Pt/C. These results demonstrate that phosphorus doping effectively tuned the electronic structure of Pt NWs that enhance the intrinsic activity.