Core-shell Rh-Pt nanocubes: A model for studying compressive strain effects in bimetallic nanocatalysts

Shape-controlled bimetallic nanocatalysts often have increased activities and stabilities over their monometallic counterparts due to surface strain effects and electron transfer between the two metals. Here, we demonstrate that the degree of surface strain can be manipulated in shape-controlled nanocrystals through a bimetallic core shell architecture. This ability is achieved in a model core shell Rh Pt nanocube system through control of shell thickness. An increase in the Pt shell thickness leads to more compressive strain, which can increase the Pt 4f7/2 binding energy by as much as 0.13 eV. This change in electronic structure is correlated with a weakening of surface-adsorbate interactions, which we exploit to reduce catalyst poisoning by CO during formic acid electrooxidation. In fact, by precisely controlling the Pt shell thickness, the maximum current density achieved with Rh Pt nanocubes was 3.5 times greater than that achieved with similarly sized Pt nanocubes, with decreased CO generation as well. This system serves as a model for how bimetallic architectures can be used to manipulate the electronic structure of nanoparticle surfaces for efficient catalysis. The strategy employed here should enable the performance of bimetallic nanomaterials comprised of more cost-effective metals to be enhanced as well.