Preparation and characterization of Pd/Ag and Pd/Ag/Au nanosponges with network nanowires and their high electroactivities toward oxygen reduction

A new and simple approach is reported for preparing Pd/Ag and Pd/Ag/Au nanosponges, which comprise network nanowires. This in situ strategy demonstrates for the first time how to prepare alloy nanosponges with network nanowires via self-regulated reduction of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and adding the second or third metal salt in the synthesis period, without additional reduction agent. The wire's diameter in the nanosponge depends on the type of alloy nanomaterials. As supported by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) measurements, the newly prepared alloy nanosponges with network nanowires were found to exhibit high activity toward the reduction of oxygen.