Published in:
ChemCatChem, 10 (2018) 1, Seite 141-147
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1002/cctc.201700895
ISSN:
1867-3880;
1867-3899
Origination:
Footnote:
Description:
AbstractThe development of a highly efficient catalyst possessing both high activity and remarkable stability is a major focus in fuel‐cell applications. Herein, we utilized an arc‐discharge approach with an ultrafast cooling system to synthesize a core@shell structural Au@C nanocomposite comprising 3–5 nm gold clusters confined within highly defective graphitic layers. Such a construction not only improves the conductivity to accelerate the penetration of ions and electrons during the electrocatalytic process of methanol molecules, but it also suppresses chemical/thermal coarsening of the gold clusters. More importantly, the atomic‐scale Au/C interfaces contribute to a synergistic effect and enhance the activity relative to that of other gold‐based catalysts in the electrooxidation of methanol. This work highlights the role of heterogeneous interfaces in the catalytic efficiency of precious‐metal catalysts and rationalizes optimization in catalyst engineering.