Sub-2.0-nm Ru and composition-tunable RuPt nanowire networks

Recently, the synthesis of ultrathin nanostructures has attracted increasing interest because of their unique structure and properties. In this work, we report the synthesis of sub-2.0-nm Ru and composition-tunable RuPt nanowire networks using an environmentally friendly aqueous method. The structures were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Moreover, the combined utilization of sodium n-dodecyl sulfate and potassium fluoride was determined to play a key role in the formation of these ultrathin nanostructures. The electrocatalytic properties of the sub-2.0-nm RuPt nanowire networks were investigated for methanol oxidation in an acidic medium. The nanostructures displayed composition-dependent properties, and compared with commercial Ru 50 Pt 50 /C, the as-synthesized Ru 56 Pt 44 ultrathin nanowire network exhibited enhanced stability.