One-dimensional Rhodium-nickel Alloy Assemblies with Nano-dendrite Subunits for Alkaline Methanol Oxidation

The noble metal rhodium (Rh) nanostructures have wide applications in catalysis and electrocatalysis. In this work, a series of RhNi alloy nanostructures with different Rh/Ni atomic ratios can be synthesized by one-step wet chemical method. By adjusting Rh-III/N-III feed ratio, high-quality one-dimensional Rh1Ni1 alloy nanodendrite assemblies (Rh1Ni1-NDs-As) can be synthesized selectively. Electrochemical measurements show that the introduction of Ni can enhance the electroactivity of Rh nanomaterials for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in alkaline media. For potential practical application, Rh1Ni1-NDs-As reveals improved electroactivity and durability for MOR compared to commercial Rh nanoparticle due to the particular morphology, Ni-doping, high electro-chemical active area, and excellent anti-poison ability. Considering the facial synthesis and high electro-activity/durability, Rh1Ni1-NDs-As may be promising anode catalysts in direct methanol fuel cells.